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Breastfeeding Myths & Realities

6 Breastfeeding Myths And Truths That You Probably Might Have Been Told

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Breastfeeding Myths & Realities


Probably you are a new mom, and you are wondering what it is going to be like to breastfeed your little one. It is okay and normal to have those anxiety attack; sometimes; you are not the only one who feels that way and talking about it with other moms is one of the ways to learn about breastfeeding and its challenges. Unfortunately, it also happens to be another way of spreading breastfeeding myths. If you are skeptical about what you are hearing, pose a bit, do not take everything as gospel truth, some yes, might be true but its very important to note that different body types react differently to breastfeeding. In order for you to have a fantastic breastfeeding experience, do your research, take each as it comes and most importantly stay with an open mind for whatever changes might happened to your body.

It Is Hard To Lose Weight While You Are Breastfeeding

This a myth. Whereas some breastfeeding mothers find it a daunting task to lose weight while they are still breastfeeding, this is not true, and it is because the milk production process is calorie –intensive. In reality, breastfeeding aids in burning quite some calories which you take in a day. If you combine this with a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and resting, you will lose all the weight you gained while pregnant much more faster.

Breastfeeding Ruins Breasts Shape.



Well, this might not apply to everyone, as I said, it depends on someone's body type. Truth is your breasts will grow big and even swell as milk is produced, but this should be the least of your worries. As you wean your baby and begin to shed off those extra pounds, your breasts will also in return start to slowly get back to their shape. There are those breasts which will sag as time goes on, and it is also possible that some can remain in their natural shape. If you like, you can as well pamper and massage them with firming creams if you are worried, it might help otherwise relax and enjoy your time with the little one.

Small Breasts Produce Less Milk.

Well, this is not true. Mammary glands are roughly the same size among all the women regardless of their breasts size. Also, it is important to note that the size of your breasts largely depends on your fat content, so there is nothing to worry about. All in all, your cup size has nothing to do the quantity of milk you produce. Whether you are breastfeeding with a 32C or 34D, your milk production largely depends on your baby's appetite. The more your baby lactates, the more milk you produce.

It Is Easier To Breastfeed At Night Than During The Day

True to this fact, breastfeeding at night is a lot easier because that is when mothers have an ample supply of milk. Doing it too long and between feedings can cause milk production to stop or slow down. Most newborns feed more and sleepless at night until when they hit one year or even six months. So when your little one starts to cry at 3 a.m, it is essential to feed them. Also if you are losing some sleep, this will pay off in the long run. Your baby needs that golden milk, do not hesitate to feed your baby at night due to some false myths you might have heard.



Breastfeeding Is Painful.

If you are a new mother, sorry, breastfeeding is going to hurt you a little bit. That said, pain in most cases comes from the fact that your baby is lactating badly or from a bad position. When this happens, try switching breasts or adjust the baby to reduce the pain. Always keep in mind that for the first few weeks your breasts are going to swell, or even bleed but this should not stop you from breastfeeding, it is temporary and will end with time. If the pain and bleeding continue for more than two weeks, contact your medical practitioner or a pediatrician.

You Cant Get Pregnant When You Are Breastfeeding

Well, this is not true. Although the hormones associated with breastfeeding often suppress ovulation, it is possible that one can get pregnant as early as three weeks after giving birth. Doctors recommend abstinence until your sixth week of a checkup or wait up to one year before you conceive again, and this is to allow your body time to heal and make sure it is not overworked of nursing the baby and sustain a growing fetus.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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