breastfeeding
Modern Moms Vs. Traditional Breastfeeding Myths - Parentune Lactation Experts Busting Common Grandma Myths
Although breastfeeding comes naturally with motherhood, it is always seen as a private job of a woman surrounded by advice, age-old customs, and myths that are baseless and probably do more harm than any good. Over the years, grandmothers and other elderly family members have shared their breastfeeding tips and suggestions with women.
These suggestions were based on their experiences but may not always be suitable for today’s world. An inevitable conflict of values occurs when modern parenting picks up fights with traditional breastfeeding myths, and the contemporary mom is caught between respect for elders and doing what feels right for herself and her newborn.
15 Traditional Breastfeeding Myths Debunked By Scientific Evidence
Since the modern mom is informed and empowered, she tends to think differently and thereby defies traditional breastfeeding beliefs and myths altogether. There is a growing pressure on these modern moms to conform to family expectations and follow certain outdated breastfeeding practices that have been passed down through generations. Scientific studies have also revealed that grandma myths associated with breastfeeding acted as a hindrance to exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months in many parts of the world.
Doctor Q&As from Parents like you
There is so much information all around about breastfeeding, from medical websites to social media, parenting resources, old wives' tales, friends and families bombarding with suggestions, and whatnot. Modern moms live in a state of confusion and anxiety. She tends to second-guess her instincts as she struggles to reconcile facts with age-old beliefs that lack scientific evidence. Modern mom feels stressed-out, crippled with self-doubt, and fear of doing something wrong for her little one. Most of the myths documented here lack scientific evidence. They were just passed down through generations as false truths and remained unchallenged until facts began to replace them.
Myth 1: Breastfeeding Is Easy
Fact: Old wives' tales depict breastfeeding as a piece of cake; however, it is physically challenging and emotionally overwhelming for a new mother. Immediately after the baby’s birth, new mothers need practical, scientific knowledge about feeding positions, latching, and understanding the baby’s hunger cues. In reality, breastfeeding is not easy; it takes practice, patience, and a whole set of new learnings for both mother and her baby.
Myth 2: Breastfeeding Hurts As Sore Nipples Are Unavoidable
Fact: No, breastfeeding doesn’t hurt. There may be momentary instances where new mothers might experience some discomfort while feeding. It could be due to poor latching, or the baby is crying because they are not receiving milk as needed, etc. Moreover, not all mothers get sore nipples. When the baby is comfortably attached to the breasts, aching nipples can be avoided. Advice from lactation experts regarding positioning and latching can help mothers resolve the issue of sore nipples successfully.
Recommended reads:
Myth 3: Nipples Should Be Washed Before Each Feed
Fact: Washing nipples is not a necessary ritual before each feed. Since the baby is familiar with the smell of the mother’s body, they will inevitably hunt for their food source, no matter whether the nipple is clean or not. Moreover, nipples secrete a substance called areolar gland secretions, which contain beneficial bacteria that support the baby’s gut and aid future immunity.
Myth 4: Many Mothers Can't Make Enough Milk
Fact: Almost all mothers have the right amount of milk for their babies. The supply of milk depends upon proper latching and frequent feeding. The more the baby is positioned and latched for feeding, the more milk will be produced by the mother’s body.
You may also like:
Myth 5: Mothers Should Eat Bland Food While Breastfeeding, As It Hampers The Baby’s Tummy
Fact: This grandma misconception has no scientific evidence. Unless a specific food causes tummy issues for the mother, they can enjoy a variety of nutritious foods and occasionally have cheat meals at their discretion. A mother's food habits can never upset the baby’s tummy.
Also read:
Myth 6: The Mother And Newborn Should Be Separated For Better Milk Production
Fact: This is an outdated and unfounded belief. Close contact between the mother and baby, such as a skin-to-skin connection, stimulates the release of the oxytocin hormone, which in turn promotes increased milk production. Moreover, keeping the baby near encourages more feeding, thereby increasing milk supply. Separation can delay feeding and reduce milk flow.
Myth 7: Once A Baby Begins The Bottle, They Will No Longer Cling To The Breast
Fact: Many babies can easily shift between the two without any hassle. Introducing a formula doesn’t mean that the baby will reject breastmilk. Remember that when the baby seeks emotional support or is unwell, they will look for their mother’s closeness more than they will for bottle feeding.
Related blogs:
Myth 8: Mothers Should Not Breastfeed If They Are Unwell
Fact: If the mother is seriously unwell, they may choose not to feed. However, feeding is not uncomfortable for a mother if she is mildly unwell. She should eat well and take the right treatments. In many cases, the antibodies that the mother’s body produces to fight infections can also pass down to the baby, thereby building their immunity.
Myth 9: It Is Hard To Wean A Baby If They Are Breastfed For Over A Year
Fact: No, this myth is false, and there is no evidence to prove this. Moreover, the WHO recommends continuing to feed the child until they are 2 years old. Some toddlers wean successfully after 2 years of feeding.
Myth 10: Breastfeeding Leads To Saggy Breasts
Fact: Sagging of the breasts is caused by aging and lifestyle factors of the mother. It has nothing to do with breastfeeding. Sometimes, weight change and genetics can also be the culprit. Breastfeeding is not responsible for changes in breast shape.
Myth 11: Feeding From Both The Breasts In One Sitting Is Not Okay
Fact: It is perfectly okay to feed from both breasts in one feeding session. Offering both can help babies feel full for long hours. Some babies need both breasts to feel satiated. So, this is a misconception altogether.
Myth 12: Mothers Can’t Take Medications While Breastfeeding
Fact: If a mother is unwell, she should follow the doctor’s advice regarding medications. She should inform the doctor that she is a lactating mother. There is no evidence that lactating mothers cannot take medications, if they need them, or are unwell. They should consult a doctor and never attempt to self-medicate.
Myth 13: Triplets Or Twins Can’t Be Breastfed
Fact: Mothers can successfully feed their twins and triplets with proper positioning and latch. In the initial days of childbirth, she might need support from her partner or an elder in the family, but slowly she can manage things on her own. The body also adjusts milk production if more than one baby is fed regularly. Therefore, there will be no lack of supply for the mother. Many mothers nurse twins simultaneously.
Myth 14: Mothers Shouldn’t Breastfeed If They Have Mastitis
Fact: Mastitis is an infection that may occur due to clogged nipples or inflammation of the breast tissues. Lactation experts and doctors recommend women to feed more if suffering from mastitis; otherwise, the woman will have more pain due to milk accumulation in milk ducts. This myth is false, and women should continue feeding and seek medical advice to get relief from pain.
Myth 15# Breastfed Babies Are Always Clingy
Fact: Since all babies are unique, they may express their love and closeness to their mother in different ways. Being clingy is often associated with a desire for emotional intimacy with one's mother. It has nothing to do with breastfeeding. For a baby, breastfeeding not only satisfies their hunger but also offers them comfort. Since breastfed babies are held more often, it may appear that they are acting clingy.
The breastfeeding journey is highly personal, and all mothers relive the moments differently. While traditional beliefs of grandma come from a place of care, concern, and affection, it needs to be noted that outdated myths shouldn’t interfere with scientific evidence related to breastfeeding. Modern mothers are empowered, and they deserve the right to be trusted when it comes to the well-being of their babies. They should be allowed to make choices based on facts, not myths. It’s time to replace old myths with a better understanding, empathy, and truth.
Be the first to support
Be the first to share
Related Blogs & Vlogs
No related events found.