Breastfeeding is one of the many challenges a new mother faces, but it can also be one of the greatest joys of caring for your little one early on. There is a lot of information out there about how to successfully breastfeed, and it can be difficult to sort the knowledge from the nonsense. Today the team at the OBGYN and pregnancy care center, Doylestown Women’s Health, will break it down for you so that you can feel more confident about feeding the baby.
Breastfeeding Myths vs. Facts
Breastfeeding should rarely hurt. Nipple sensitivity and some soreness are quite normal, but nipple pain while nursing should be evaluated and addressed by a lactation expert. Often simply correcting the baby’s latch and breastfeeding position can relieve pain.
Myth 1) You Cannot Breastfeed if Your Nipples Are Not the Right Shape
There is no such thing as an incorrect breast shape for breastfeeding. Just like every mother’s anatomy is different, so is every baby’s mouth. The more important thing is developing a comfortable latching ability and nursing position that suits both mommy and baby’s bodies.
Myth 2) Babies Are Born Knowing How to Nurse and Any Difficulty is Your Fault
Babies are born with two instincts that help them to breastfeed: the reflex to suck anything that touches the roof of their mouth, and the instinct to turn their head towards something stroking their cheek. Other than that, the baby and mother both need to learn to breastfeed comfortably, and sometimes it can be difficult, especially in the first few hours after birth while medications wear off.
Myth 3) Breastfeeding is Painful
Actually, breastfeeding should rarely hurt. Nipple sensitivity and some soreness are quite normal, but nipple pain while nursing should be evaluated and addressed by a lactation expert. Often simply correcting the baby’s latch and breastfeeding position can relieve pain.
Myth 4) You Should Not Breastfeed when Taking Medications
This myth can be very harmful to women who need to take medication daily for their health and wellbeing and may worry it will harm their baby. This is simply not true, just remember to always tell your pediatrician and lactation consultant what medications you are taking or planning to take.
Myth 5) Many Women Do Not Make Enough Breast Milk
Most women do produce enough milk, they just think they don’t either because of the size of their breasts or the fullness they feel. These do not indicate whether or not milk output is enough, the only way to know is to monitor the baby’s diapers. Urine should be diluted and pale, poop should be yellowish, and the baby should gain about four to eight ounces per week.
Contact Doylestown Women’s Health Today
To access gynecological and obstetric services, visit our office in Doylestown, PA. The team at Doylestown Women’s Health is here for you, whether you want help with family planning, simply need a check-up or breast exam, or need prenatal or postnatal care. Contact us with any questions and schedule an appointment. If you’d like more support during the exciting and challenging process of becoming a mother, consider joining our stork club.