Breastfeeding Fact or Fiction: 10 Things You Need To Know
One of the healthiest decisions you can make as a mother is to breastfeed your newborn. Many prevailing myths abound that may work to discourage you or cause apprehension but this article will separate the fact from the fiction about breastfeeding to simplify your choice.
Breastfeeding Fact or Fiction : 10 Things You Need To Know
1. Breastfeeding alone will not be enough - It will be plenty! This all natural, completely organic milk has everything that your baby needs and you will be able to provide more than enough of it. If you observe signs that your baby is still hungry this simply means he or she must nurse longer.
2. A woman cannot breastfeed while working - This actually can be arranged with pumps and planning. You can store the excess milk for later meals or times when you will be busy. Breastfeeding and working will require a bit of extra juggling of time and task on your part but can most definitely be accomplished.
3. You are the only one who can feed the baby if you nurse - Anyone trustworthy can feed your baby with pumped and stored milk! It is like feeding formula.
4. Babies who nurse are spoiled - An infant is too young to be spoiled actually, all they want is plenty of good food and nursing provides them with that in a calming way that creates a strong, healthy bond with mommy, nothing else.
5. Nursing should stop when the baby can talk - There is absolutely no specified time to stop breastfeeding! It is a personal choice made by you based on your needs and the needs of your growing baby.
6. Breastfeeding stops if you take medicine - This decision should always be guided by your doctor! Some medications for breastfeeding mothers are perfectly safe but you should consult your health professional before taking anything, including vitamins.
7. You cannot get pregnant while nursing - Although you may be less fertile while breastfeeding, you are not normally infertile! If you are concerned about becoming pregnant there is a birth control pill with no estrogen, a hormone which may interfere with lactation, so ask your doctor but it is not safe to assume you cannot become pregnant while nursing.
8. Breastfeeding is going to hurt - Nursing will not cause pain so long as everything is normal and done right. Tenderness may sometimes occur as will a rare nibble which will have nothing more than a startling effect on you, but there is no pain associated with normal breastfeeding.
9. Breastfeeding and formula cannot both be used - If you are interested in quick meals or occasionally offering your baby something other than your breast, a healthy formula will do no harm! Be careful not to go too long without nursing or your supply may be interrupted.
10. Nursing should not be done in public - This issue has caused controversy and the most practical approach is tact and discretion. There is a big difference between people knowing what you are doing and you showing them. A nursing blanket is easily placed over you and your baby so that you should be able to feed him or her wherever you please.
Clearly distinguishing between fact and fiction when it comes to breastfeeding is necessary to enable you complete comfort when choosing to nurse. It is a beautiful and highly beneficial way to provide your baby all that he or she needs while bonding, relaxing and getting to know each other.
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