Breastfeeding Myths Explained

Utter the word “breastfeeding” and emotions flare. When should you stop? How much is too much? What will it do to your breasts? But whether you’re staunchly pro breastfeeding or think the boob is getting pushed a little hard, it doesn’t hurt to clear up the misconceptions with the help of Cookie Magazine.

MYTH #1:
Breastfeeding is easy
FALSE

Expert Suzanne Schlosberg: It’s true that for many women, breastfeeding is a breeze and a joy from the get-go; their babies latch on within minutes of birth, and a calmness fills the mother and seems to flow into the baby. But for others, those first few weeks, maybe even more, can be a maddening struggle. A newborn might fall asleep on the job, lick your nipple instead of suck, or clamp her mouth shut. Ouch! Almost all of the time, things will work out, but mum may have to get help from a lactation consultant and be persistent and patient. It took my twin boys six weeks to get the hang of it, and I wanted to quit several times.

MYTH:
Breastfeeding can cause premature labour
TRUE

Expert Suzanne Fredregill: Nipple stimulation can cause contractions in later pregnancy. If a mum-to-be is at higher risk of early labour or is having contractions, it is best to follow the advice of her midwife or ob-gyn.

MYTH:
Mothers with postnatal depression have emotional trouble with breastfeeding
RARELY TRUE

Expert Suzanne Fredregill: Much research shows breastfeeding actually decreases the incidence of postnatal depression. The hormone prolactin, produced in Mum’s body when baby nurses, acts like a natural tranquiliser. That’s why for some women, postnatal depression doesn’t become an issue until weaning. However, there are some who are diagnosed with [postnatal depression] who may have to take an antidepressant. Talk to your doctor about safe medications.

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