Myth #1: NEVER, EVER, EVER wake a sleeping baby… to breastfeed.
Fact: While it’s true that naptime and nighttime will become your much needed “me time”, it doesn’t mean your newborn might not need to eat. Newborn babies may not wake up on their own to eat. If necessary, you may need to wake your little one up to ensure they are eating at least 8 times a day. Click HERE for more information on “Rousing A Sleepy Newborn”
Myth #2: A mother must drink milk to make milk.
Fact: Don’t worry all you lactose intolerant mommies-to-be, this isn’t a breastfeeding deal breaker for you. To produce milk, a mother simply needs a healthy diet of things you are probably already eating every day. Foods like vegetables, fruits, grains and proteins are all you need. For more information about a healthy breastfeeding diet, click HERE.
Myth #3: Babies can be allergic to their mother’s milk.
Fact: Hardly. Actually, your milk is the most natural and wholesome thing your baby can have. However, what you eat can get to your little one through your breast milk. If a baby shows signs of sensitivity to their mother’s milk, in most cases it can be remedied by a simple change of the mothers diet. To learn more about allergy elimination diets for breastfeeding, click HERE.
Myth #4: Frequent nursing can cause a child to be obese later in life.
Fact: It’s actually quite the contrary. Breastfed babies who control their own feeding patterns typically get just the right amount of food. Studies have shown that babies who are formula fed are actually at a higher risk of obesity. Click HERE to better understand how a baby’s diet can affect the risk of childhood obesity.
Myth #5: Other family members need to feed the baby so they can bond too.
Fact: While feedings are a great way to bond with your baby, it’s not the only way to create a connection with your little one. Simply holding and cuddling a baby is an effective (and wonderful) way to build a bond. Click HERE to read a great article about the importance of bonding and some great tips on ways to bond beyond breastfeeding.
We hope this blog was able to shed some light on the facts about a few of the breastfeeding myths out there. Please take a moment to learn more about the facts of breastfeeding at La Leche League, just click HERE!
Here’s to happy breastfeeding and the health of your and your little one! Shop LilyPadz
– Team LP