Breastfeeding often comes with its fair share of misconceptions and myths. Despite being a natural process, embarrassment, outdated advice and misinformation can cloud the understanding of this technique.
UnityPoint Health – Meriter lactation consultants are here to do some myth busting on common misconceptions about breastfeeding so new parents in our community can feel confident and prepared in this method of feeding.
MYTH: Breastfeeding makes it harder for partners and family members to bond with the baby.
ACTUALLY: New parents and babies need everyone’s love and support, and there are many ways support people can help — and get plenty of bonding time with baby. One way for family members to strengthen their bond with baby is to hold baby skin-to-skin. This powerful touch has so many benefits, including keeping babies calm and comforted. Others can also offer to hold the baby or read books to the infant for more bonding time. Once breastfeeding is going well (around four weeks postpartum), you could pump milk and let your partner or other family members give the baby a bottle.
MYTH: You should not breastfeed if you are sick.
ACTUALLY: Depending on the kind of illness, people can usually continue breastfeeding when they are sick. You need to make sure you get the right treatment, and to rest, eat and drink well. In many cases, the antibodies your body makes to fight off your illness will pass on to your baby, building their own immune defenses. Many medications are safe to take while you are breastfeeding, but it’s always best to confirm your specific medications with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.
MYTH: You have to “pump and dump” after you drink alcohol.
ACTUALLY: There is no need to pump and dump if you occasionally have a drink. The American Academy of Pediatrics says to wait two hours before nursing for each alcoholic beverage. One alcoholic beverage is equal to one ounce of hard alcohol, one 12-ounce beer or four ounces of wine. If you plan on drinking a bit more, you may want to pump ahead of time in case your baby becomes hungry while alcohol is still in your system. Additionally, if you consume more than one standard drink, it’s recommended to pump to maintain your milk supply, and that milk can be used for a milk bath, which can offer benefits to the baby’s skin.
UnityPoint Health – Meriter is here to support you in every step of your postpartum care. Our expert lactation consultants are here to provide extensive breastfeeding education and support.
Meriter offers breastfeeding classes including Basics of Breastfeeding and Pumping for Home and Work, as well as lactation consultant support in the hospital and home visits during postpartum recovery. For more information on breastfeeding benefits and resources, visit: unitypoint.org/find-a-service/maternity-and-newborn-care/breastfeeding-and-lactation-services#support.
