Myths and truths about breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural process in which a mother feeds her newborn baby to provide nutrients for healthy physical and cognitive growth. It is also the strongest bond between a mother and her child.

All women are capable of breastfeeding their babies, they just need information, support and an excellent disposition to do so. Many stories are woven around breastfeeding and end up creating confusion and false beliefs.

The following are some myths and facts about this natural practice, considered by many to be a sacred ritual between mother and child.

Myth: Not all women produce milk of good quality and quantity.

Fact: Human milk is the appropriate milk for babies and provides the necessary components for proper human development. All women are capable of producing it if they are provided with adequate counseling in the technique, if they are empowered in their ability to breastfeed and if they have adequate support in their environment and appropriate feeding.

Myth: Women with small breasts cannot breastfeed.

Fact: Breast size has no influence on breastfeeding. The glandular tissue that produces milk is about the same size in all women, proper sucking technique is required, on demand to ensure the milk production required by babies. Newborns should be guaranteed to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.

Myth: Formula milk is more nutritious for the baby.

Fact: Formula milk has cow's milk as raw material and other added components. This makes it not the most suitable for the human newborn because each mammalian species in nature produces milk specific to the needs of its offspring. Human milk is the ideal milk in terms of nutritional, immunological, cellular and hormonal components, among others, that guarantee human development and well-being.

Myth: There are foods that decrease milk production.

Fact: No food increases or decreases milk production in women, adequate production is guaranteed as long as there is a good technique and support from the family and society to solve problems that may arise. Adequate nutrition and rest for lactating women ensures their own well-being.

Myth: Drinking milk will increase breast milk production.

Fact: During the breastfeeding process, increased fluid intake is required because the mother uses her body water reserves to produce her milk. She will be thirsty if her intake is inadequate; water as a base fluid is sufficient to keep her hydrated. Milk production is ensured by frequent and effective suckling of the mother's breasts.

Myth: Breastfeeding is painful for the mother.

Fact: Breastfeeding is painful for the mother when she has not been properly counseled on the baby's latch-on to the nipple and areola of the mother's breast. The process of breastfeeding should be an experience of joy and pleasure, both for the mother who provides nourishment and affection to her child, and for the child who obtains physical and emotional well-being from the mother's milk and affection. If you have pain, seek immediate counseling to eliminate it. Proper breastfeeding positions can also prevent pain and tension in the back region of women.

Myth: If the mother is sick, she cannot breastfeed.

Fact: Most common illnesses in women do not contraindicate breastfeeding. If you have the flu or diarrhea, keep washing your hands or wearing a mask as the main actions to avoid infecting others. The production of defenses in the mother's body when she is suffering from an infectious disease causes these components to be transferred to her own milk and guarantees less risk for the disease in her baby. There are absolute contraindications to breastfeeding when the mother is taking cancer drugs. Most of the medications that women take when they have a chronic or acute illness do not pose a risk to the baby.

Myth: There are appropriate places to breastfeed babies. This should be a private practice.

Fact: All breastfeeding women have the right to breastfeed their babies. No one can discriminate or judge mothers who feed their babies.