You may know that it is breastfeeding awareness week. As a lactating mom, this is a topic close to my heart. Now, Aryahi was on BM as well as formula and Aadya was exclusively BF till she started solids. Aryahi BF at night till she was 3.5 years old and I do plan to feed Aadya for as long as possible. So let’s talk about somethings people need to stop saying to breastfeeding mothers because they are myths, half truths or plain figments of their imagination.
1. Breastfeeding makes the child dependent on mothers – Now whoever came up with this one needs a thorough mental checkup. Open your eyes, the child is dependent on the mother. As babies, they need us to do everything. As they grow older, they are dependent on us. Breastfeeding has nothing to do with it.
Say Instead: Breastfeeding develops a wonderful and strong bond between the child and the mother.
2. Breastfeeding is painful – Yes it is. I don’t deny it. Soreness, cracking and pain are a part of the process. Aching back, aching neck, aching arms are also a not uncommon. And yet, we do it. We go thru so many different aches and pains during pregnancy and childbirth. How is this any different. It makes our child stronger. Why not bear the pain? You know what else is painful? Not feeding the baby. Heavy breasts, clogged milk ducts are not a joy either. I have been there. It is not pretty. Thankfully those were one off days when I had to be away from the baby. I could not sustain that on a daily basis.
Say Instead: The effort is worth it!
3. You should wean the child quickly – Why I ask. Why should you? Mother’s milk is proven to be the best source of nutrition for the child. It builds immunity and keeps them safe from all manner of things. Mother passes antibodies to child via breastmilk. What is the hurry to stop. I’d stay continue as long as your baby wants, as long as your body supports and your circumstances allow you.
Say Instead: Let the child feed as long as your body and circumstances allow it
4. Many mothers don’t produce enough milk for the baby – So this one I am conflicted about. I experienced with Aryahi that she was latched on for hours and would cry when unlatched. She would consume formula too after being BF. So, I don’t know if the milk was I sufficient or she was just uncomfortable about something I could not understand. But the fact is that kids cry for everything. There isn’t a sure shot way of knowing if it is hunger or something else. And besides, who measures the milk produced? Who measures the child’s need? How do you know it’s not enough? Science says that milk supply works on a demand supply basis. If the kid latches, the milk is produced.
Say Instead: Your body knows and will do enough for the child. You make the best choice for your child.
5. You need to see lactation experts to breastfeed properly – I would say a big NO to this. Nature gives moms a wonderful instinct. And moms need to trust it. Lactation experts can help you improve, can solve problems for moms who are having trouble breastfeeding but a mom knows best. If it feels right, it will work. I had a very frustrating experience with a lactation expert who was part of my maternity package. She just could not get the baby to latch. After trying her methods and letting the baby cry for thirty minutes, I was like “Ho Gaya?” I then propped Aadya the way I have always fed Aryahi, the way I’d been feeding Aadya for 24 hours and she drank. Same goes for family. Listen to them. Be open to learning but do what feels right to you.
Say Instead: Trust your instincts. If it does not feel right, it is okay to get help.
That’s it. Do share your own experiences and learning in your breastfeeding journey.
If you are a mom, what was your experience like? What were some of the things you heard that you feel need to stop? Even if you aren’t, what is your opinion about it? Let’s talk. You could also share this on social media. Use the hashtags below when you post.
#WBW2019 #WABA #EmpowerParentsEnableBreastfeeding #breastfeeding #SDGs #worldbreastfeedingweek2019 #Breastfeedingawarenessweek
All the images in this post are a part of the fabulous Breastfeeding India Photo Stories conceptualised by Storiously. I sincerely thank them for letting me use these lovely pictures. Do check them out on Instagram, each mom tells her story.
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I’m soooo agree with you! Soon I deliver my first baby and all of those advices (which I don’t ask!) are just horrible! Some people sometimes should shush!
Oh, I feel relief by writing this! :))))
Lovely post. I agree totally. I had twins and I breastfed both with no lactaing experts except my mom and mom in law. And both babieswere healthy and happy.
I never knew you had twins! Wow… you are a superstar. I have tremendous respect for twin moms, especially ones who BF! salute