The advantages of breastfeeding are numerous. As the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEPED) This promotes weight recovery, reduces the risk of breast cancer and improves the calcium content in the bones, among many others. But, it is also true that there are several myths.
Among the most widespread myths is the concern about the deformation of the chest, if you have to eat more to produce more milk (and better) or if there is any risk for the infant in the event that the mother decides to eat something spicy. Well, we are going to disprove these myths today.
Myth: breastfeeding warps the breast
With breastfeeding it is believed that the breasts become deformed, lose density, become more flaccid … But, the AEPED makes it very clear, “the main breast change occurs during pregnancy, regardless of whether the mother breastfeeds or not”. It has nothing to do with breastfeeding, but with pregnancy.
Myth: while breastfeeding you have to eat more
This is a myth that its origin is not very well known, since in no case eating more will guarantee that the milk production is greater or better. As indicated by the AEPED, it is true that the mother should follow a varied and balanced diet, as well as drink the water that her body asks for. But nothing else, there is no reason to eat more food than usual.
Myth: eating spicy is bad for baby
Not at all, eating spicy is not bad for the baby, quite the contrary. The AEPED explains that “Changes in the taste of milk, depending on the food ingested by the mother, will favor the baby to accept the new flavors” when you start eating solid foods supplementing milk.
Myth: if you take medication, you should stop breastfeeding
This ingrained myth is false. The Bengoa Foundation addresses the issue by emphasizing that most medicines get into breast milk in very small amountsTherefore, there is no need to worry. Unless your doctor advises against breastfeeding if you take a certain drug, something that could happen in the case of antineoplastic drugs or radioactive isotopes.
Myth: if the breasts are operated, you cannot breastfeed
This is another deeply ingrained myth that is the result of ignorance. At no time does an operated breast stop being functional to be able to breastfeed To a baby. The breast will produce milk normally and the mother will be able to breastfeed without putting the baby at risk.
Myth: colostrum is not enough for the baby
Colostrum is the first breast milk produced when you give birth and it is very important. Has a high concentration of essential nutrients for the baby and in no case will the baby find it insufficient. Therefore, there is no need to bottle feed additionally. Colostrum is an essential “liquid gold”.
Myth: if I have a small breast, I will not be able to breastfeed
This is an incorrect belief, as breast size does not matter in order to breastfeed. Even, the type of nipple does not matter (flat, inverted, etc.). The glandular tissue is what will influence the ability to breastfeed, not the size, since this depends on the fat (fatty tissue).
These are some of the most frequent myths, although there are some more. When in doubt, the doctor can always help you to know the truth so as not to make wrong decisions that, in the end, harm breastfeeding.
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