The Truth About Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is best. Studies have shown that babies who are not breastfed are more likely to suffer with colds, ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Breastfeeding also helps protect babies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma, diabetes, and certain cancers. It also protects mothers from breast and ovarian cancers as well as diabetes. Given all of the health benefits of breastfeeding (not to mention the economic and environmental benefits), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, the Office on Women's Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the World Health Organization all recommend that babies be fed only breastmilk for six months, and continue breastfeeding for at least the first year of life and as long afterward as desired by mother and infant. Formula companies even try to imitate breastmilk by adding ingredients such as DHA and ARA, but they pale in comparison. So since everyone, including formula companies, agrees that breastfeeding is best, why don't all mothers choose to breastfeed their babies? Let's debunk a few common myths about breastfeeding often cited as reasons for not doing it.
Myth #1: Breastfeeding will hurt. If your baby is latched on and positioned correctly, breastfeeding should not be painful. In the beginning, as your nipples adjust to it, there may be some discomfort just after you start nursing. This should not last the entire time you are feeding, and after two or three weeks it should go away completely if there is nothing wrong. If you have pain that is very different than that, you should seek help right away to make sure you learn the correct way to latch/position your baby and to make sure there is no other medical reason for the pain.
Myth #2: I might not make enough milk. Right after you give birth, your baby will be getting colostrum when you nurse. This condensed form of breastmilk is all that your baby needs until your mature milk comes in. It is rare for a healthy woman to not make enough breastmilk for her baby. In fact, your body will follow your baby's cue and supply enough milk to meet his or her demand. Your body needs to hear from your baby how much milk it needs to make. This is why it is important to wait until breastfeeding is well established—usually about three to four weeks—to give your baby a pacifier or bottle (unless instructed to do so by your baby's doctor for medical reasons). Babies can get confused and refuse to take the breast when they suck a bottle or pacifier too early. You will know that your baby is getting enough if he or she has at least six wet diapers and two bowel movements per day after your milk comes in.
Myth #3: I can't breastfeed if I plan to return to work or school. Not only is it possible to continue breastfeeding after you return to work, DC and Virginia have laws that support mothers who return to work. Since breastfed babies are healthier, parents who breastfeed miss much less work to care for sick infants. There are a few things you will need to do in order to successfully combine returning to work and breastfeeding. Before returning to work, you should let your employer know about your desire to continue breastfeeding so you can make sure that you will have enough break time and a clean, private space in which to pump. You may also decide to invest in a quality pump—double, electric pumps are more effective and efficient when time is of the essence.
Myth #4: Breastfeeding will make my breast sag. As soon as a woman becomes pregnant, her breasts begin to change permanently regardless of whether she decides to breastfeed. In addition to pregnancy, other common reasons that women's breast change are genetics, time, and gravity. In order to decrease the effect of these changes, it is helpful to wear supportive undergarments, exercise to strengthen the muscles that support the breast, and avoid sudden weight gains or losses.
Babies are born to be breastfed, and with a little help and a lot of support, you can do it!
