Breast-feeding myths and legends: Part II

The second in our series, here we look at a few more of the weird and wonderful myths that exist concerning breast-feeding. For the most part these myths, have no medical or scientific basis, but can unfortunately be a source of worry and doubt to new mums. Cut through the legend to the simple truth about breast-feeding.

"Breast-feeding for several months ruins your breasts"

Breast-feeding doesn’t change breast shape; it’s the sharp changes in volume that are to blame. If breast-feeding progresses normally and weaning is done over time, there are less risks of breasts being “ruined” than if you try to abruptly stop milk production using medication. You can take care of your breasts by moisturizing often, doing exercises to muscle and tone that particular area and wearing well-fitting support bras.

The condition of your skin, your age and certain genetic features can of course play a detrimental role (that will see your breasts change with age, whether you breast-feed or not), but the above measures are beneficial nonetheless.

"You have more milk in the mornings than in the afternoon"

In general, babies demand more milk in the late afternoon and evening than in the morning. This can mean that your breasts feel emptier at this time of day - so it is not the production that decreases, but the consumption that increases. But the best proof of the fact that milk production is the same morning or afternoon is that your baby is just as full after a feed whatever the time of day.

"I can’t breast-feed because my milk is too watery"

“Low quality” milk does not exist. Every mother is capable of producing milk that is perfectly healthy for feeding her baby. It has been scientifically proven that even malnourished mothers offer their babies milk rich in nutrients, even if that means their own bodies contribute. That’s why you don’t need to give your baby anything else during the first 6 months – unless recommended otherwise by your doctor. 

The first drops of milk do seem more liquid (thus making some mothers believe it is less nourishing), but the milk’s composition evolves during the feed, becoming “creamier” and richer.  You should therefore always ensure that your breast is completely emptied during a feed otherwise your baby may not feel full.

"You need to prepare your nipples by rubbing them with alcohol and rolling them between your fingers to make them stronger"

The only thing you’ll achieve by this is drying out the skin on your nipples… making them even more vulnerable! The same is true if your rub them too hard with a brush or hard sponge.

However, a few specific exercises can make your nipples more prominent and thus making it easier for baby to latch on during breast-feeding.

• Simply turn the nipples delicately between your fingers or massage them with a washing glove or towel during your shower or bath.
• You can also wear a maternity bra with the flap down while at home, which leave the nipples uncovered (in direct contact with your clothes) to make them more resistant.

If you are really having problems because your baby can’t latch onto the nipple properly, you can also use a breast pump, which will condition your nipples ready for breast-feeding and provide baby with breast-milk in the meantime.

"Breast-feeding makes it more difficult to lose those extra post-baby kilos"

Quite the contrary! A breast-feeding mum dips into the fat reserves accumulated during her pregnancy to produce milk. This is what will help her, in addition to a healthy balanced diet, to progressively return to her initial body weight.

Producing breast milk requires energy and burns approximately 500 calories a day. As dairy products are a primary source of calcium (it is essential for producing milk and avoiding deficiencies within the body), a breast-feeding mother should ideally consume a minimum of 750ml of milk each day (or 500ml + other milk products such as yoghurt, quark, milk-based desserts, cheese, cream, etc.). If you use milk to prepare a particular cooked dish (porridge, custard, bechamel sauce...), you can use skimmed milk. However, for breakfast and snacks, opt for semi-skimmed milk for its vitamins A and D, which full-skim milk doesn’t offer.

You also need to drink large quantities of liquids (2 to 3 litres a day). This means juices, infusions and especially water, as breast milk contains 85 to 90% water and you need to bump up your reserves. You should however reduce your intake of stimulant beverages (coffee, tea, caffeine-based sodas), not smoke and be very careful with medication as the ingredients inevitably pass into your breast milk.

This is definitely not a time for a low-calorie diet, but breast-feeding doesn’t inhibit the loss of extra kilos associated with your pregnancy.

A few of the strangest legends

• “If you have white skin, are redhead or have blue eyes, you have a higher chance of suffering from painful nipples": This legend is based on the sole fact that women with these features generally have more sensitive skin, but there is no proof to justify the concept. One thing is for sure: cracked nipples are caused by incorrect positioning when breast-feeding.

• “Your mother couldn’t breast-feed so you won’t be able to either”: Hypogalactia (or insufficient milk production which usually occurs during the post-partum phase when breast-feeding begins) is not hereditary in the slightest. A woman in good health with no hormonal disorders should have no problems breast-feeding her baby. Some mothers who were unable to breast-feed their first baby (due to a supposed lack of milk) manage to breast-feed their following children without any issues.

• “If you don’t breast-feed frequently, your milk will go off inside your breast”: Breast milk does not go off if it’s not extracted! However, you will notice an almost automatic reduction in milk production if you do not feed or pump your breasts often.

Laurent Juillet

Copyright © 2010 Doctissimo

Posted 14.12.2010

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