World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from 1st August to 7th August every year. It is an initiative to encourage breastfeeding and also support new moms. It is the most beautiful experience for any mom but on the other hand, there are many concerns and myths attached to it.

I recently attended an event by Apollo cradle hospitals called Apollo cradle breastfeeding awareness event. It was an insightful session which helped moms to learn about breastfeeding from experts and professionals. The event was held in Bangalore and many mom bloggers attended this event.

The guest speakers were –

  • Aparna Jha, Sr. Consultant Gynecologist & Obstetrician
  • Srividya, Nutritionist and lactation expert.
  • Mohanieshwari, physiotherapist, Childbirth educator & lactation consultant

The session started with the insightful lessons by Dr. Aparna who told us about the common points which all moms must know. May breastfeeding myths were also busted and helped us to understand the reasons why breastfeeding is important for a child. According to her, a mom should exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months and not even give water to the baby.

Breastfeeding myths busted

Dr.Aparna Jha with all mom bloggers

Benefits of breastfeeding according to the doctor –

  • Best possible nutrition for a baby.
  • Reduces the chances of infections and diseases in babies even when they grow up.
  • It helps to improve the cognitive development of a baby.

Benefits of breastfeeding to a mom –

  • Helps to reduce weight.
  • Helps in mom and child bonding.
  • A mom feels more relaxed and stress-free.
  • Long-term benefits are they are protected from deadly diseases like Diabetes, cancers etc.

Breastfeeding myths busted –

  • Breastfed babies cry more is a myth. They cry as they miss the warmth of their mom and not because they are hungry.
  • Breastfeeding moms can’t have any medications is a myth as there are some safe medicines available which moms can easily take.
  • Colostrum is not good is the biggest myth as it is the best for a baby as it is a powerhouse of nutrition.
  • Moms cannot breastfeed when they are sick is also a myth as she can breastfeed until and unless she has a major infection which can affect her baby.
  • Babies won’t accept a bottle if they are not given the bottle in the first 6 months is a myth. Kids are very adaptive and they will accept it slowly.

After the session with Dr. Aparna, next, we heard about the golden hour of breastfeeding from Dr.Mohanieshwri. She explained the different types of milk and also different positions to hold the baby during breastfeeding. She also discussed some challenges of breastfeeding like engorgement, mastitis, insufficient milk production and emotional stress in moms.

Dr. Mohanieswari explaining baby holding positions while breastfeeding

Dr. Srividya explained the nutrition aspect while lactating. She explained the effects of antenatal diet on lactation and also the diet post-delivery.

Nutrition related breastfeeding myths busted by Dr. Srividya

Breastfeeding myths busted by the nutritionist –

Myth – A new mom should not have water after delivery

Fact – A mom must have enough water after delivery especially after C section as it can lead to a spinal headache.

Myth – Certain food can cause a problem in lactation.

Fact – A mom can have everything which she normally used to have during pregnancy.

Myth – Ghee and dry fruits are a must while lactating.

Fact – They don’t increase milk secretion.

The breastfeeding week drive by Apollo cradle is a great initiative and surely going to help many new and expecting moms. It was a great learning experience as many of our queries were also answered.

Also, read a new mom’s ultimate guide for breastfeeding. 

 

 

 

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