Breastfeeding myths busted
Breastfeeding is always a contentious subject. It is a deeply personal and individual experience for each mother, and though there is plenty of advice, there are also plenty of complete myths.
Arabella Sargent, mum, GP and founder of the Baby Babette busts some common myths about breastfeeding.
1. Many women do not produce enough milk
“This is completely untrue,” explains Arabella. “The vast majority of women produce more than enough milk in order to nurse their baby. If the mother finds that the baby is always hungry or losing weight it could just simply be because the baby cannot get to the milk. This is usually because the baby is not latching correctly and the reason why the mother should be shown from day one how to do so properly.”
2. A breastfed baby needs extra water and vitamin D
“Breastmilk contains all the water and vitamins that a child needs, so this is a complete myth.”
3. If the mother is ill she should stop breastfeeding
“The baby needs to build up its own immune system and the best protection for them is to continue breastfeeding,” advises Arabella.
4. A nursing mother needs to eat more in order to breastfeed
“The myth states that breastfeeding mothers should eat 500 more calories a day in order to breastfeed. This is just not true,” says Arabella. “Women can eat what they like, if they feel they need to eat more, then eat more. If they feel like eating less then eat slightly less. There is no golden rule of what to eat in order to breastfeed you just need to do what feels right for you.”
5. Breastfeeding completely ties the mother down
“This is complete rubbish! Mothers have complete freedom in where they breastfeed. Society has changed as have attitudes. There is now legislation stating that women are able to breastfeed when they want and where they want. For mothers who do not necessarily feel comfortable breastfeeding in public I have developed the Baby Babette which is a pretty breastfeeding cover that secures around your neck and shields you and your baby from view making you able to breastfeed in confidence. However, I developed it when male colleagues and family felt a bit uncomfortable when I breastfed around them, when I wore the Baby Babette everything was covered up so they felt less embarrassed.”
For more information on the Baby Babette please visit www.babybabette.co.uk