Breastfeeding Myths Every New Mother Should Know
Breastfeeding Myths Every New Mother Should Know By Dr. Polisetty Bala Prasunadevi Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, MedUnited Hospitals, Palakollu Breastfeeding is one of the most natural ways to nourish a baby, yet for many new mothers, it can also become a source of worry. “Is my baby getting enough milk?” “My milk looks thin-is it nutritious?” “Should I give water along with breast milk?” “My baby wants to feed again and again. Does that mean I don’t have enough milk?” As a practising obstetrician and gynaecologist, these are some of the questions I hear from new mothers and families. And I completely understand why. After delivery, a mother is recovering physically and emotionally while simultaneously learning how to care for a newborn. Advice comes from family members, friends, social media and sometimes even well-intentioned people who have had different experiences. But breastfeeding advice should be based on evidence, not fear or comparison. At MedUnited Hospitals, Palakollu, I believe that good postnatal care is not only about checking the mother’s recovery. It is also about helping mothers understand breastfeeding, newborn care, nutrition and the changes happening in their bodies. So, during Breastfeeding Week, I would like to address some of the most common breastfeeding myths I hear. First, Why Is Breastfeeding So Important? Breast milk is much more than food. It provides nutrition, immune-supporting components and other bioactive substances that support the baby’s growth and development. WHO and UNICEF recommend initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeeding for approximately the first six months and introducing appropriate complementary foods at around six months while continuing breastfeeding up to two years or beyond, as mutually desired. The first milk, called colostrum, is produced in small quantities and is particularly rich in protective factors. It is often called the baby’s “first vaccine” in public-health messaging because of its immune-supporting components. Early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding soon after birth can also help establish breastfeeding. WHO recommends supporting mothers to begin breastfeeding within the first hour whenever possible. Now, let’s separate some common myths from medical facts. Myth 1: “The first milk is yellow and thick, so it should be thrown away.” Fact: Please don’t discard colostrum. Colostrum can look different from mature breast milk. It is often yellowish or golden and is produced in relatively small quantities. But small quantity does not mean low value. Colostrum contains concentrated nutrients and protective factors that are particularly important during the newborn period. Early breastfeeding allows the baby to receive this first milk. So when I speak to new mothers, one of my first messages is simple: “Aa first milk ni waste cheyyakandi. Adi mee baby ki chaala valuable.” Myth 2: “My milk is not enough because my baby wants to feed frequently.” Fact: Frequent feeding does not automatically mean low milk supply. Newborn babies often breastfeed frequently. Breast milk is relatively easily digested and feeding patterns can vary from baby to baby. Importantly, breastfeeding works on a supply-and-demand mechanism. The more effectively milk is removed from the breast, the more signals the body receives to produce milk. ACOG notes that perceived low milk supply is a common reason mothers stop breastfeeding unnecessarily. Signs such as effective feeding, appropriate weight gain and adequate wet diapers are more useful than simply judging milk supply by how frequently a baby feeds. So, rather than thinking: “My baby is feeding frequently, so my milk must be insufficient,” we should ask: “Is my baby latching properly, feeding effectively and gaining weight appropriately?” If there is concern about feeding or weight gain, please speak to your paediatrician or lactation-support professional rather than relying on assumptions. Myth 3: “Breast milk is too thin. My baby needs water too.” Fact: A healthy infant generally does not need water during exclusive breastfeeding. This is one of the most common misconceptions I come across. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, meaning breast milk alone-with no additional food or liquids, including water, unless medically indicated. Even in hot weather, healthy exclusively breastfed infants generally do not need additional water. Breast milk provides both nutrition and hydration during this period. After around six months, appropriate complementary foods should be introduced while breastfeeding continues. Myth 4: “If I had a C-section, I cannot breastfeed immediately.” Fact: A Caesarean delivery does not mean breastfeeding is impossible. A mother who has delivered by C-section can breastfeed. The timing may sometimes be affected by the mother’s recovery, anaesthesia, medical circumstances or the baby’s condition. But when mother and baby are stable, skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding should be encouraged. This is where proper support matters. A mother recovering from surgery may need help with positioning, holding the baby and finding a comfortable breastfeeding position. Breastfeeding support is not a luxury. It can make a significant difference to a mother’s confidence. Myth 5: “Breast size determines how much milk a mother can produce.” Fact: Breast size is not a reliable indicator of milk production. Breast size largely reflects the amount of fatty tissue and does not tell us how much milk a mother will produce. What matters much more is effective milk removal, baby’s attachment and feeding pattern, along with the mother’s and baby’s individual health circumstances. If breastfeeding is painful or the baby is struggling to latch, it is better to get the feeding technique assessed than to assume that breast size is the problem. Myth 6: “Breastfeeding should always be painful.” Fact: Persistent pain should not simply be ignored. Some mothers may experience tenderness during the early days, but ongoing or significant pain deserves attention. Poor attachment or positioning can contribute to nipple pain and ineffective milk transfer. If feeding is consistently painful, the baby is unable to latch properly, or the mother develops nipple damage, breast redness, fever or significant breast pain, please seek medical advice. You don’t have to simply “adjust” to severe breastfeeding pain. Correct guidance can often make breastfeeding much more comfortable. Myth 7: “A breastfeeding mother has to follow a very restrictive diet.” Fact: Most breastfeeding mothers do not need a complicated special diet. A breastfeeding mother