Breastfeeding Myths
There are so many myths associated with breastfeeding, its no wonder that some women seem intimidated by it all. The good thing is - that's all they are - Myths.
For example:
1. "I can't breastfeed, I don't have enough milk." - only 1-3% of the population truly can not nurse. There may be other underlying issues where nursing isn't recommended, but for most women this is simply not the case.
2. "Baby needs a supplement the first few days until the milk comes in." In actuality, the pre-milk, or colostrum, is the perfect food for baby. And by nursing frequently those first few days, you ensure the milk will come in more readily. Offering a supplement takes away from the baby's time at the breast and keeps the mature milk from coming in as quickly.
3. "I can't leave my baby if I nurse" or "I have to work, so I can't nurse" - First of all, most employers will not let you return to work until after your doctor clears you at your 6 week checkup. So you could easily nurse at least that first few weeks. As for leaving your baby - either for work or any other reason - you could have the caregiver offer a bottle of either expressed milk or formula, and nurse while you are with the baby. Its actually been shown that breastfed babies are healthier than their formula fed counterparts - so you would miss less time due to your baby's illness than if you didn't breastfeed at all.
For some really great explanations of common myths- check out Dr. Jack Newman's articles...
More and More Breastfeeding Myths
to submit any breastfeeding myths you've heard, just E-Mail me.