Breast Feeding Myths

These things are heard from the neighbors or from the elders and have no scientific basis. Some of these are explained below-

More milk is to be drunk to produce more milk
This is not true. Any type of food taken in sufficient quantity is enough for the required milk production. The more the baby sucks the breasts, more is the flow of milk.

Small breasts do not give sufficient milk
Successful breast feeding does not depend upon size of the breasts. The size of breasts depends upon the layer of fat beneath the skin. Milk production depends upon special glands in the breasts, which are sufficient in all women.

During breast-feeding you have to stop eating certain food products
You can eat your favorite dishes during breast-feeding. Certain people may have some problems with some food products but others may not. If a certain thing causes some problems to your child, you can try eating it in small quantities. If it causes a problem always then you can stop eating it.

Using cold water while you are breast feeding is harmful
This belief does not have any scientific basis. It can only be proved wrong by experimenting on yourself. The belief that the baby can catch cold if mother works in cold water, is not true.

If you have not breast-fed your first baby, you will not be able to feed your second baby
This is wrong and you can rest assured that you can feed your second baby even if you have not breast-fed your first baby.

Mother's milk production starts after three days
This is not true. The initial yellowish, thick milk called 'colostrum' is very important and good for the baby; and is sufficient for the baby for the first three days.