Myths vs Facts About Breastfeeding

Lactation period after giving birth is a vital time for the growth of the baby, both for physical growth and mental development. Breastfeeding activity does not only function to meet the nutritional needs of the baby, but also play a role in building an emotional connection between Mommy and the baby.

Breast milk contains excellent nutritional value and can easily be digested by the baby. Breastfeeding can also help build a better immune system for the baby. There are a lot of breastfeeding tips that Mommy can find nowadays. 

By following these tips, Mommy can solve a variety of problems that may arise in breastfeeding, increase milk supply, as well as improve the quality of breast milk more effectively. These tips can also provide guidance on good breastfeeding position, how to set up a schedule of breastfeeding, as well as a variety of facts about breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Activity

Maybe Mommy is often confused by various myths regarding the correct method of breastfeeding without knowing the validity of these myths. Before Mommy considers or pays too much concern over breastfeeding myths, it is recommended to check the validity and the facts of those myths.

One of the myths about breastfeeding which is quite popular is women with small breast size would have difficulties to produce breast milk. In fact, milk production is not determined by the size of the breast, but the levels and activity of the hormones. Thus, women who have small breast size can normally produce breast milk, as long as the condition and the hormone level are in the normal range. 

Another myth that quite often causes concern among breastfeeding mothers is breastfeeding will ruin the shape of the breast. In fact, the shape of Mommy’s breast will not change due to breastfeeding. The shape changes during pregnancy, not during lactation period.

Food Consumption

Considering the food consumption is also an important matter in various breastfeeding tips Mommy can find in magazines or internet articles. One fairly popular myth says that if Mommy eats spicy food, then the baby will have digestive problems such as diarrhea. 

There has been no evidence to prove that consuming spicy foods may affect the digestion system of the baby. In fact, consuming spicy foods will result in digestion condition of the mother. Disorders of Mommy’s digestion condition may decrease the breast milk production. 

Coffee is also a kind of drinks which is quite often mentioned in breastfeeding myths. Some people claim that coffee consumption during breastfeeding will make the baby more sensitive and cause insomnia. In fact, consuming relatively small amount of coffee will not give any effect on the breast milk production.

However, when consumed excessively, caffeine in coffee may pass through the breast milk and directly consumed by the baby. This can cause a variety of problems, such as insomnia and sensitive baby, also irritation in the baby’s digestion system.