Myths around breastfeeding must be addressed

Myths about breastfeeding create a sense of insecurity, fear and anxiety for women during pregnancy.

Dr Sabiha Banerjee said these have to be actively addressed to assure mothers that breastfeeding is the best way to nurture. She offered a few facts and figures to help dispel some of the myths.

zWhile formula can be an easy option, its use should be discouraged unless the situation warrants it.

zRwanda, Peru, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Nepal are countries with proud breastfeeding figures, ranging from 68 to 83 per cent.

zBreastfeeding should be instinctive, it need not be taught. However, every obstetrician should feel responsible for preparing and motivating their patients to breastfeed and extend their support and advice to achieve the best results.

zA mother has to know she is in charge of the baby; nature prepares her for breastfeeding and learning how to do it is simple.

zThe advantages of bonding and boosting immunity have to be explained and emphasised for mothers.

zBreastfeeding aids maternal weight loss too and is proven to assist with optimal growth and development of a baby.

zWorking mothers have to be encouraged to use pumps to extract breast milk and preserve it for their infant’s use. Electronic pumps have made it easier to do so.