12th August 2017

It should be the most natural thing, yet the subject of breastfeeding is mired in misconceptions. Experts clear the confusion.

Breastfeeding is not only about nourishment for babies, it’s also about love, closeness and the sense of security they feel while latched on to their mother’s breasts. Yet, some don’t do this at all, because of reports that breastmilk isn’t healthy, or that nursing may affect the shape of one’s breasts. We bust some myths.

Many women never have enough milk and they should supplement their breast milk with top feed
 

Dr G N Mansukhani, directordepartment of obstetrics and gynaecology at Jaslok hospital, says that there is never a situation where women do not have enough milk, unless they are severely anaemic in which case flow may be reduced. Dr Varsha Phadke, head of department at K J Somiaya Hospital in the city, says that many times a baby’s cry for any reason is attributed to insufficient milk. There are simple ways of knowing if a baby is getting enough milk, explains Phadke. “If the baby passes urine more than six times in a day, sleeps well and is gaining enough weight, then the mother has enough milk. Top feeds or formulae supplement should be avoided as far as possible.”

Milk comes in four days after birth

In the first two-three days after delivery, mother gets thick, yellowish milk, which is called colostrum. “Though less in quantity, it is enough for the baby, nutritious and contains many factors such as antibodies which protect the baby from infections. Colostrum is considered first vaccine of the newborn. It should never be discarded,” says Dr Phadke. Transitional milk is secreted after three-four days and until two weeks. It is rich in fat and sugar content, which is required for the baby’s growth. Mature milk follows transitional milk. It is thinner, but contains all nutrients.

Mothers should time their nursing sessions

Dr Mansukhani says that in earlier days, most paediatricians would recommend certain number of minutes on each breast. However, they now feel that baby led “demand feeding” is the best. “Hence, mothers should allow the baby on one breast till he stops sucking and then they can put the baby on the other breast. During the next feed they can start with the other breast,” she suggests.

Pain is to be expected

“Pain is almost never normal,” says Dr Rajat Parikh, a paediatrician in Kalyan. “A mother should not be cringing, or writing in pain while breastfeedingand should not have cracked or bleeding nipples. If she experiences any of these — the most likely cause is, baby is not latching properly or is tongue tied,” he says. However, most mothers do feel tingling sensation, particularly during initial weeks which signals letdown of milk. “It, however, settles down in most women after a couple of months.” Dr Tanvi Tuteja, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at K J Somaiya hospital suggests seeing a gynaecologist in case women experience inconvenience or pain.

It’s a natural contraceptive

According to Dr Phadke, lactating mothers have lactational amenorrhoea or temporary absence of menstruation, which results in fertility reduction. “But this method is not reliable,” she warns. Some women can get pregnant even if they don’t have their regular periods.

Wait makes weaning difficult

“This is simply not true and babies gradually take to solid film over breastmilk,” Dr Mansukhani says. Dr Phadke recommends that exclusive breastfeeding should be given to every child till six months of age. “After six months, the weaning process should start. One should introduce soft homemade food in small quantities and increase quantity and frequency slowly. This is called complementary feeding.” If weaning is started in time, then it is not difficult. Breastfeeding can be continued till the child turns two.

It can make your baby gassy

Mothers are mostly asked to stay away from pickles, broccoli, cauliflower, beans or peppers but Dr Parikh says that “there is no evidence to support the claims that gas producing elements in these food items pass through breast milk.” He, however, adds that the taste of certain foods and medicines pass through breast milk and change its flavour which might explain why baby seems fussy or not interested in nursing sometimes.