5 myths about breastfeeding that all new moms should stop believing

The minute you mention breastfeeding, you find yourself at the receiving end of tonnes of advice and opinions. While it is important to share experiences, very often than not the wrong information is passed along. In fact, there are a lot of myths associated with breastfeeding, and on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week we are debunking them for you.

1. You can’t breastfeed after breast surgery
A lot of women nurse their babies even after breast implantations which involve incisions on the underside of the breast. This however, doesn’t interrupt milk production. In fact, women whose nerve endings around the nipple have been cut as a part of the breast reduction process, may have more difficulty, but they are still capable of breastfeeding their babies.

2. Breastfeeding can make your boobs sag
Many women refrain from breastfeeding or stop earlier than they are supposed to, just because they are apprehensive of their boobs sagging. A study done by the American Society for Plastic Surgeons states that it’s the number of pregnancies a woman has—not whether she breastfeeds—that causes breasts to sag over time.

3. Breastfeeding is painful
Yes, after the first few times your nipples are very likely to feel tender. But if your baby is latching properly, then you are not supposed to feel any pain or soreness. If you are feeling any pain or have any apprehensions, do talk to a lactation consultant.

4. New moms don’t make enough milk
It is only during the initial three to five days post-childbirth that mothers don’t make milk. Rather, they produce a thick, concentrated liquid called colostrum in those days which happens to be just how much the baby’s body requires. After the colostrum supply dries out, the body starts producing breast milk normally.

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5. You have to eat a lot more calories while breastfeeding
A breastfeeding mom’s body requires an extra 300 to 500 more calories per day to maintain her milk supply. But that doesn’t make extra calorie intake a hard and fast rule. You should be aware and listen to your body, and eat whenever you are hungry. That said, going on a calorie-deficit diet while breastfeeding is not advisable.