There are many recommendations about breastfeeding on the internet so we’re eager to give you some truthful advice from reputable sources to bust some of the myths about breast feeding.
Firstly, we are aware that some women struggle to breastfeed, so click here for some tips to make things a bit easier:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive, on-demand, breastfeeding for the first 6 months, this is then followed by breastfeeding supplemented with appropriate foods until your baby is 2 years old. When they talk about “exclusive” breastfeeding, this means that no other food or drink, even water, need be given to the child until they are 6 months old as breast milk carries all the nutrients needed for your baby to grow. In addition, the use of pacifiers, teats and bottles are discouraged.
When you have a baby everything seems new and scary and often women don’t know when they should feed their baby. Simply saying “on demand” doesn’t mean much to them. Here are a few cues to look out for when determining when to feed:
- Your baby is restless
- They make murmuring sounds
- Suck on their hands or put their fist in their mouth
- Make movements of their head suggesting that they are trying to find your breast also known as “rooting”.
A good way to tell if your baby is getting enough milk is to monitor their weight. Babies often lose a bit of weight in the first few days but then start to gain weight. If they continue to lose weight then see your doctor or midwife. They should also be having around 6 wet nappies a day, and seem satisfied after most feeds.
When you introduce foods into your baby’s diet, there is a risk that this is not done properly and the child can become malnourished. To avoid this, the WHO has given some advice as to the amount and type of food your baby should be taking, in addition to breast milk. Find the table here.
So now we know when and how much to feed babies, we can now explore the benefits of breastfeeding. Aside from the fact it is nutritious, breastfeeding:
- Helps to protect your baby from diseases, such as sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes, obesity and childhood leukaemia
- Can enhance the bond between you and your baby
- Lowers the mother’s risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis, ovarian cancer and cardiovascular disease
- Is available whenever your baby needs it
We hope this article has been helpful at dispelling some of the myths associated with breastfeeding. If you have unanswered queries then contact your midwife or doctor for advice.
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Disclaimer: We take no responsibility for the content. Before acting on any of the advice, please consult your midwife or a doctor.
