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Myths & Facts - Facts For Life

Babies should start to breastfeed as soon as possible after birth.
Virtually every mother can breastfeed her baby.

Supporting Information

Mothers and newborn babies should not be in different rooms. The baby should be allowed to suck at the breast as often as he or she wants.

If a mother gives birth in a maternity unit, then she has a right to expect that her newborn baby will be kept near her in the same room, 24 hours a day, and that no other food or drink will be given to her baby except breastmilk.

Starting to breastfeed immediately after birth stimulates the production of breastmilk. Breastfeeding should begin not later than one hour after the delivery of the baby.

The thick yellowish milk (called colostrum) that the mother produces in the first few days after birth is good for babies. It is nutritious and helps to protect them against common infections. The baby does not need any other food or drink while waiting for the mother's milk to 'come in'. In some countries, mothers are advised not to feed this colostrum to their babies. This advice is wrong.

Many mothers need help when they begin to breastfeed, especially if the baby is their first. An experienced and sympathetic adviser, such as a woman who has successfully breastfed, can help a mother avoid or solve many common problems.

The position of the baby on the breast is very important. A bad sucking position is the cause of problems such as:
A) sore or cracked nipples
B) not enough milk
C) refusal to feed

Signs that the baby is in a good position for breastfeeding are:
A) the baby's whole body is turned towards the mother
B) the baby takes long, deep sucks
C) the baby is relaxed and happy
D) the mother does not feel nipple pain.

Almost all mothers can produce enough milk if :
A) the baby takes the breast into his or her mouth in a good position
B) the baby sucks as often, and for as long, as he or she wants, including during the night.

Crying is not a sign that a baby needs artificial feeds. It normally means that the baby needs to be held and cuddled more. Some babies need to suck the breast simply for comfort. If the baby is hungry, more sucking will produce more breastmilk.

Mothers who are not confident that they have enough breastmilk often give their babies other food or drink in the first few months of life. But this means that the baby sucks at the breast less often. So less breastmilk is produced. To stop this happening, mothers need to be reassured that they can feed their young babies properly with breastmilk alone. They need the encouragement and practical support of their families, the child's father, neighbours, friends, health workers and women's organizations.

Mothers employed outside the home need adequate maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks during the working day, and crèches where their babies can be looked after at the workplace. So employers and trade unions also have a part to play in supporting breastfeeding.

Husbands, families, and communities can help to protect the health of both mothers and babies by making sure that the mother has enough food and by helping with her many tiring tasks.

Breastfeeding can be an opportunity for a mother to take a few minutes of much-needed rest. Husbands or other family members can help by encouraging the mother to lie down, in peace and quiet, while she breastfeeds her baby.

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Disclaimer: All material provided at Breastfeedingindia.org is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with your doctor regarding the advisability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your individual situation.