Common Misconceptions About Breast Milk

Common Misconceptions About Breast Milk Breast milk is a miraculous food that can meet all the water, protein, carbohydrates, minerals and fats that a baby requires during the first 6 months on its own. Due to its rich composition, it supports the baby's growth and development and protects against many health problems ranging from infectious diseases and allergies to cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Moreover, it plays an important role in enabling the baby to become an intelligent, happy and confident individual. Due to its miraculous benefits, the World Health Organization and the Health Ministry recommend that breast milk be given to the baby within the first half hour after birth, exclusively for the first 6 months, and then continued with additional foods until the age of 2. However, some incorrect information commonly believed about breast milk and breastfeeding can cause unnecessary anxiety among mothers.

Dr. Pınar Atılkan, Pediatrician at Acibadem Dr. Şinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital, explained the incorrect information commonly believed about "breast milk" and provided important recommendations and warnings!

 

My baby is crying, so my milk must be insufficient

THE TRUTH: Contrary to common belief, every mother produces enough milk for her baby. "A baby's crying is a request; the baby communicates through crying how often it needs breast milk. If you breastfeed every time your baby cries, you can ensure sufficient milk production for your baby's growth and development," says Dr. Pınar Atılkan, and continues: "Babies can cry for different reasons, and this is completely normal. Crying is a form of communication for babies. Therefore, it will be sufficient to meet their basic care needs and breastfeed. Regular weight checks and doctor examinations for your baby will determine whether your breast milk is sufficient. If your baby is at a healthy weight and in good health according to the checks performed, there is no need to worry."  

My milk is watery and light-colored, so it must be low-quality

THE TRUTH: Immediately after the baby is born, a fluid called 'colostrum' is produced. Colostrum, which is a thick and dark yellow milk, appears this way due to its composition. Colostrum, which supports the baby's immune system, transforms into a clearer and lighter white milk within approximately one week. Therefore, the watery appearance of milk does not mean it is deficient in protein, minerals and nutritional content.  

Once I introduce complementary foods, my baby won't need breast milk

THE TRUTH: The World Health Organization and the Health Ministry recommend that babies be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first 6 months. If breast milk is insufficient, complementary solid foods can be introduced gradually with doctor's recommendation. Dr. Pınar Atılkan points out that this ratio should not exceed 30 percent, saying, "The primary food source should be breast milk at a ratio of 70-80 percent until 8 months of age. As the baby grows, the amount of breast milk also changes. For example, after 9-12 months, half of the nutrition should come from breast milk and half from complementary foods. Complementary feeding should also continue alongside breast milk until the age of 2."  

My breasts are very small, so I might produce less milk

THE TRUTH: Pediatrician Dr. Pınar Atılkan emphasizes that the quantity and quality of milk are independent of the size of the mother's breasts, saying, "Every mother's milk is sufficient for her baby, so mothers do not need to worry."  

Feeding my baby with a bottle will be sufficient

THE TRUTH: Some babies can be fed with both a bottle and the breast. However, if possible, the baby should not be bottle-fed during the first 4-6 weeks, except in necessary cases. Pediatrician Dr. Pınar Atılkan says, "Even if bottle feeding is necessary, the mother should still breastfeed her baby. Because in addition to its vital benefits, breast milk is much easier to digest, so the baby feeds more frequently."  

Breast milk is not enough for twin babies

THE TRUTH: Breast milk is produced in sufficient quantities for twin babies as well. In fact, mothers can even feed their twins simultaneously. Various breastfeeding positions are recommended for this.  

When I am ill, I should not breastfeed

THE TRUTH: Pediatrician Dr. Pınar Atılkan notes that there are only a few rare diseases such as cancer and epilepsy where breastfeeding should be delayed or completely stopped, and continues: "Additionally, certain cancer and epilepsy medications, therapeutic radioactive radiation, tuberculosis and herpes of the breast nipple are not recommended during breastfeeding. If the mother must use medications that are necessary and can pass into breast milk at high levels, these should definitely be used with doctor's consultation."  

I should take vitamins to increase my milk supply

THE TRUTH: Contrary to common belief, if adequate and balanced nutrition is maintained, vitamin supplementation is not necessary to increase breast milk. There are 3 rules that will increase milk supply: eating healthy and balanced meals, frequent breastfeeding and drinking plenty of water and fluids.  

Adding cereal helps the baby sleep better at night

THE TRUTH: There is a misconception among expectant mothers that when 'cereal' is added to breast milk and formula milk, the baby will gain weight better. During the first 6 months, cereal should never be added to breast milk or formula milk given in necessary cases. The reason for this is that adding cereal has negative effects on the digestive system. Therefore, the baby should be breastfed every time it wakes up. The milk from the breast, which is the baby's sleep snack, also strengthens the bond between mother and baby.  

If I give formula, my baby will sleep better and gain more weight

THE TRUTH: "Formula digestion is longer and more difficult. Therefore, feeding intervals will be much longer," says Dr. Pınar Atılkan, and continues: "Breast milk digestion, on the other hand, is much easier. For this reason, babies fed with breast milk sleep more peacefully and gain more weight. Moreover, because they bond with their mother, they feel safe."