In instances of COVID-19 or Hepatitis B, Dr Deshpande defined that breastfeeding remains to be really helpful as a result of it offers the toddler with essential IgA antibodies. “However, the baby may also require vaccinations and immunoglobulins at birth for additional protection.”

As for HIV, moms can breastfeed if they’re on antiretroviral remedy, whereas moms with lively tuberculosis can solely breastfeed the newborn whereas being beneath remedy and not contagious, Dr Deshpande stated.

“A pediatrician’s opinion must be sought as the baby may need to be vaccinated. All precautions such as masking, washing hands, or airway transmission should be taken care of in case of TB or COVID-19,” she added.

Myth #2: Mothers should keep away from breastfeeding on drugs

Breast milk is uniquely tailor-made to satisfy the dietary wants of infants, offering antibodies, enzymes, and vitamins that help their progress and improvement. (Source: Freepik)

Dr Ritu Sethi, gynaecologist & obstetrician, director of The Aura Specialty Clinic Gurgaon and affiliate director at Max Hospitals, Gurgaon, stated that many drugs are appropriate with breastfeeding, however some can move into breast milk and probably have an effect on the newborn. Some drugs, similar to anticonvulsants or psychiatric medicines, could be secreted into breast milk.

Hence, moms who’re on drugs ought to seek the advice of with their healthcare supplier or a lactation specialist to find out whether or not it’s secure to breastfeed whereas taking these drugs, famous Dr Sethi.

Myth #3: Breast milk can go stale

While milk within the breast tissue can by no means go stale as it’s in a sterile setting away from micro organism, expressed breast milk after a sure length can get spoiled. “However, this is not the same as other foods turning stale. Fresh breast milk is usually safe for consumption for up to 4 hours, depending on the temperature and cleanliness of the environment. When stored in the refrigerator, it can typically last for up to about 4-8 days. Meanwhile in a freezer, it can remain safe for consumption for several months,” Dr Sethi stated.

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Other breastfeeding myths debunked

Dr Deshpande and Dr Sethi listed the next:

1. Taste of breast milk will depend on the mom’s food regimen: The notion {that a} child can style flavours similar to spicy or tangy by means of the milk, primarily based on their mom’s food regimen, is fake. The composition of breast milk stays constant whatever the mom’s food regimen.
2. Strict breastfeeding schedules are mandatory: It is really helpful to ‘breastfeed on demand,’ as this helps each milk manufacturing and toddler wants.
3. Mothers should preserve switching breasts whereas feeding: While it’s good to make use of each breasts for feeding, it’s advisable to feed from one breast at a time to make sure the newborn receives each the foremilk, which is wealthy in lactose, and the hindmilk, which is excessive in lactoferrin protein. The mom ought to permit the newborn to feed till they naturally cease on one breast to make sure they obtain a steadiness of each for optimum diet.
4. Formula is pretty much as good as breast milk: Breast milk is uniquely tailor-made to satisfy the dietary wants of infants, offering antibodies, enzymes, and vitamins that help their progress and improvement. While formulation generally is a appropriate various in sure conditions, it can not replicate the advanced composition of breast milk.
5. Breastfeeding is simple and pure, so everybody can do it: While breastfeeding is certainly a pure course of, it doesn’t all the time come simply or instinctively to each mom and child. For some, it takes time, follow, and persistence to ascertain a profitable breastfeeding relationship.
6. Breast dimension determines milk manufacturing: Milk manufacturing is primarily managed by hormones and stimulation, not breast dimension. Women with small breasts can produce ample milk for his or her infants, simply as these with bigger breasts can.
7. You can’t get pregnant whereas breastfeeding: While breastfeeding can delay the return of fertility in some girls, it isn’t a dependable type of contraception. It’s nonetheless attainable to ovulate and conceive whereas breastfeeding, so think about using contraception in case you’re not prepared for one more being pregnant.