Breastfeeding Myths
baby is unable to breastfeed, a mother’s own
milk (MOM) in a bottle is the next best option,
followed by donor milk.
If these options are not viable, artificial infant
formula can be used. However, mothers are
urged to talk with their baby’s health care provider before offering formula supplements, so
that, together, you can develop a feeding plan
that best meets your needs and the needs of
your baby.
8. “How much milk you pump is how
much milk you make.”
It’s easy for a hungry baby to trigger a let-down;
it’s a different story, when the “trigger” has to
be plugged in and turned on. How much milk
a mother expresses from her breasts (by hand
or with a pump) is seldom a reflection of how
much milk she makes—or her baby takes—at a
feeding. When it comes to milk removal, nothing beats a baby! It’s not unusual for a baby to
consume 4 or more ounces at a feeding, even
when her mom can express only 1–2 at a session.
Like breastfeeding, milk expression is a skill that
requires patience, practice, and persistence. In
the beginning, you may get only enough milk
to cover the bottom of the collection container.
Don’t worry. It can take days or weeks before
you see an increase in the amount obtained.
Whether you are pumping one breast at a time
or both breasts at once, you will want to pump
for 3–5 minutes (or longer if milk is still flowing), then rest for 3–5 minutes. This will allow
more milk to accumulate before you trigger
another let-down. Repeat this process two or
three times, until both breasts are soft. “Handson pumping” can also increase the amount you
pump.
9. “You need to wait at least 2 hours after
you pump to breastfeed.”
The same rule that applies to breastfeeding
applies to pumping: Watch your baby, not the
clock, and feed your baby at the first sign of
hunger. Your breasts are constantly producing
milk, so there is no need to wait for even one
minute after pumping before feeding your child.
In fact, the more milk you remove from your
breasts by breastfeeding or pumping, the more
milk you will make. Ongoing production ensures that there is milk available 24 hours a day
7 days a week—whenever your baby is hungry
or thirsty.
Moms often mistake “soft” breasts for “empty”
breasts, but breasts are never truly empty,
they’re simply more or less full.
Moms, especially those returning to work or
school and wanting to stockpile milk for later
use, are urged to breastfeed first and pump
afterwards. You can also pump in between feedings or whenever your breasts feel full. This will
ensure that your baby gets the nutrients and
calories she needs to grow, while you fill your
freezer with milk!
10. “‘No leaking’ means ‘no milk.’”
Milk dripping (leaking) from your breasts is a
sure sign that your body is making milk—hooray! Now you simply need to get the milk out of
your breas ts and into your baby. Once your baby
acquires a feeding routine (about 6–12 weeks of
age), leaking usually stops. Don’t panic! You’re
not losing your milk. Your breasts have simply
learned how much milk to make and when to
make it.
Parents today have access to unlimited amounts
of information—good, bad, and everything in
between. Learn to separate fact from fiction and
you will gain the knowledge and confidence you
need to meet your breastfeeding goals.
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