The top myths told to new mums, according to a lactation consultant
By Victoria Owens|
When you become a new mum you're bombarded with information from midwives, doctors, parents, friends, neighbours, social media จC there is literally no end.
There are a lot of things mums are told that, in our sleep deprived state, can send us spiralling with anxiety.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Peta Arthurson has dispelled some of the biggest myths around feeding.
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Myth 1: Breastfeeding will come naturally
Arthurson tells 9honey Parenting that while breastfeeding sounds like it should be easy, it actually sometimes requires an instruction manual.
She suggests a prenatal breastfeeding class can help mums "know what to expect, what is coming, how to know when it's going well or not and when to ask for help".
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Myth 2: Babies are starving on day two and need a bottle
Sometimes new mums are told to "top-up" their babies with a bottle if they appear hungry, but Arthurson argues this can be counter-productive.?
She says babies are cluster feeding at this time, which is vital because "sucking at the breast stimulates breast milk delivery and every feed the amounts get bigger in line with their tummy".
"But if the baby is too full to feed (from bottle-feeds) they won't be stimulating the breast."
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Myth 4: Never wake a sleeping baby
Arthurson recommends feeding on demand, but also waking a newborn every three hours from the start of each feed in the first two weeks if they're not waking on their own.?
"Every three hours means they get at least eight feeds in a 24-hour period."
Myth 5: Don't pump milk for the first six weeks
Some mums are told this for two reasons: so they don't get an oversupply of milk and so the baby stimulates milk production, rather than a machine.
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However, Arthurson says this is anxiety-inducing for mums who have feeding issues, and she has seen first-hand how they can "suffer with their mental health".
"My rule in parenting is all about survival จC when it comes to mental health there are no rules จC because mental health comes first over lactation, so if you need to pump to have a break, then do it."
Myth 6: Lactation cookies or teas, nipple shields or creams, breast pumps and/or a medical prescription will help
Arthurson says these products should only be a short-term fix, so "if you are buying, using or being given any of these products, you need help from an IBCLC."
Myth 7: You must breastfeed for a certain amount of time
There's a lot of palaver out there that mums should feed for at least the first six weeks, the first three months, six months, first year... there is no right or wrong amount of time to breastfeed your baby.
Arthurson says a mum's feeding journey is theirs alone, so block out the noise and choose what is best for you and your baby.
She says an IBCLC that supports all of your feeding choices alongside your mental health is crucial.
Myth 8: Your baby only needs to feed a certain number of times a day
Arthurson says the number one rule to remember is "you can't overfeed a breastfed baby".
She says babies feed for so many reasons including "food, comfort, thirst, relaxation, stress, pain and? fatigue" จC breastfeeding is really a one-stop shop for solving so many problems.
Myth 9: Breastfeeding hurts at the start
While most mums will agree there are parts of breastfeeding that hurt, Arthurson says it doesn't need to.?
"With great guidance, learning how to get a good latch, supporting the baby and getting some nipple care, most mums shouldn't be experiencing toe-curling pain."
However if a baby has oral restrictions like a tongue-tie then they need to be checked out by an IBCLC.
Myth 10: Don't feed your baby to sleep
Arthurson says feeding to sleep is a "super power" mums can harness to make things "simpler and easier" for baby.
"Breast milk contains melatonin helping your baby to sleep, sucking makes babies drift off and a milk drunk baby is one happy kiddo, so go for it!"
Myth 11: Dads can't do much when it comes to breastfeeding
There is a whole list of things dads can do to help a breastfeeding mum.
While they might not be able to physically breastfeed, they can easily follow the three Bs จC bottle feed, burp and bath.?
Arthurson says her husband was her go-to after every feed.
"They learnt really quickly that Dad's shoulder was a great place to fall asleep, therefore he could settle them anytime, anywhere without a boob!"?
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.