Bursting common myths on breastfeeding

There are many breastfeeding myths in our societies and some of them even prevent mothers from exclusive breastfeeding. Though I am not a lactation expert, I am going to discuss some of the common myths in my capacity as an International Centre for Journalists Early Childhood Development (ICFJ) Fellow based on my discussion with experts from various organisations including World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) during the 71st World Health Assembly which I attended in Geneva in May.

The world marks Breastfeeding Week from August 1 -7 with this year’s theme “Breastfeeding: Foundation for Life’’ as a recognition of the importance of breastfeeding to the baby’s future.

The world Health Assemby embraced this annual celebration as a way to root for protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding everywhere.

The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are numerous including providing vital antibodies and an immunity boost to the baby as it acts as the first vaccine when a child is born and promoting brain development, reducing the risk of becoming overweight, helping children grow and preventing under nutrition according to World Health Organisation (WHO). These are just some of the few benefits of breastfeeding though a lot of research has been done on the superiority of breast milk over other alternative infant foods like formula. So breastfeeding is the real deal for babies. So let’s get down to some of the myths that mothers are often told about breastfeeding.

1. Small breasts do not produce enough milk

I have often heard women being told that those with small breasts will starve their babies, as they will not be able to produce enough milk. The truth is that your breasts are able to produce milk irrespective of the size because the breast milk tissue you need to nurse your baby grows in response to pregnancy regardless of the size. So in short size doesn’t matter.

2. You should not breastfeed if the milk duct is blocked

There are times a nursing mother can experience blocked milk ducts making the breast painful thus they are afraid to breastfeed. The truth is the baby should actually breastfeed at this period to clear the ducts faster. Besides massaging the breast with warm water, breastfeeding is the better treatment to this.

3. Breastfeeding baby cannot sleep well unless supplemented with solids

One old woman told me three years ago that my baby would not sleep well during the night unless I supplement the baby’s diet. I almost believed her but my lactation expert was just a call away and she rubbished this and told me to continue with exclusive breastfeeding until the baby attains six months. Breast milk is sufficient and babies get satisfied. I am glad I didn’t pay attention to the old lady.

4. Bottle of cow’s milk is better than mother’s pumped milk

Well, the truth is that cow’s milk is meant for the calf and not human baby if you can breastfeed. It contains very little iron, retinal, Vitamin E, C and D, unsaturated fatty acids for human babies. It is in fact more difficult for a baby to digest and absorb cow’s milk. So breast milk wins again.

5. Breastfeeding makes the baby too clingy

The truth is that babies who benefit from the bond of exclusive breastfeeding for longer get very independent later in life. So do not stop breastfeeding just because you think the baby will get very dependent on you.

6. Baby should be weaned as soon as mother returns to work

But who actually crafted this lie? The mother should either express the milk or pump enough and leave it for baby’s consumption while at work. This ensures the baby consumes the breast milk. All that you need to do is to maintain constant supply of nutritious snacks, healthy lunch and drink plenty of water to maintain adequate milk supply. My work place does not provide a room for nursing mothers to pump milk but I still managed to pump enough milk under my desk twice a day then store it in my cooler bag. At times, a colleague would let me use her car for that purpose.

7. Breastfeeding in public is a taboo

If adults can feed anywhere they want, why not babies? Babies should be breastfed whenever they are hungry. If there are no breastfeeding stations provided, then just sit back, relax and let the baby breastfeed.

Breastfeeding is the foundation of life, which should be promoted and protected to achieve optimal growth, development and health of infants.

Janet Otieno-Prosper is an Early Childhood Development Fellow with the International Centre for Journalists