Is colostrum unclean and cannot be given to babies? Is breast milk nutritious during menstruation? Let's hear what the experts say

Breast milk is the most ideal natural food for babies. However, there are various sayings circulating on the Internet, such as "Moms with a cold and fever cannot breastfeed", "Babies cannot eat unclean colostrum", and "Drinking rice wine can stimulate milk production". Are these sayings true?

Today, let’s discuss the breastfeeding misunderstandings that are widely circulated on the Internet to help mothers breastfeed scientifically.

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01

Rumor: The better the mother eats, the more nutritionally complete her breast milk will be.

Analysis: Not necessarily! A balanced diet is necessary for a complete nutritional balance.

A good mother's breast milk is not necessarily healthy and comprehensive. Excessive intake of high-protein and fat foods such as fish and meat may not necessarily meet the baby's needs for comprehensive nutrition, such as various vitamins and trace elements. Only when the mother has a comprehensive and balanced diet can she have nutritious and sufficient breast milk.

02

Rumor: Colostrum is yellow and unclean and cannot be fed to babies.

Analysis: Rumor! Colostrum is not only clean, but also rich in nutrients.

The nutrients and substances contained in the yellow colostrum are completely in line with the needs of newborns. In addition to nutrition, it also contains other substances that babies need, such as protein and antibodies. Colostrum is not only clean but also rich in nutrients, which can help newborns obtain their needs beyond nutrition and the substances needed to resist diseases.

03

Rumor: If you don’t have enough milk, you should drink more broth.

Analysis: Inaccurate! Broth can help increase breast milk, but it should be consumed in moderation.

Insufficient milk supply is relative and often due to lack of awareness. As long as the baby's needs are met, the amount is sufficient. Properly increasing the amount of soups and water will help increase milk supply. Broth is rich in protein and fat, but the nutrition is not comprehensive. Broth cannot meet the comprehensive nutritional needs of breastfeeding, and excessive consumption may be counterproductive.

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04

Rumor: If a mother has a cold or fever during breastfeeding, she should not breastfeed.

Analysis: Inaccurate! Colds and fevers do not necessarily affect breast milk quality.

If a mother catches a cold or has a fever while breastfeeding, she can breastfeed as long as her physical condition is acceptable, because the mother's body will produce corresponding antibodies, which can protect the baby through breast milk. However, you should wash your hands before and after breastfeeding. If you have respiratory infections, you should wear a mask when breastfeeding to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn.

05

Myth: The longer you breastfeed, the better.

Analysis: Not really! Just feed on demand.

A newborn will automatically stop sucking when it is full, and time is not the most important factor. If the breastfeeding time exceeds the baby's needs, it may weaken the baby's response to breastfeeding stimulation.

Regarding the duration of breastfeeding, WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, after which time complementary foods should be added and the baby should be fed until 2 years old or older.

06

Rumor: Drinking more rice wine during the confinement period can increase lactation.

Analysis: Unreliable! It may inhibit lactation.

There is currently no sufficient scientific data to prove that drinking rice wine or fermented glutinous rice can increase milk production. Moreover, rice wine and fermented glutinous rice contain alcohol. If consumed during confinement, the alcohol may enter the baby's body through breast milk and have adverse effects on the baby's health.

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07

Myth: Breastfeeding will cause your breasts to become deformed.

Analysis: Inaccurate! Breastfeeding is not the only reason for breast deformation.

Breast sagging and deformation are related to changes in hormone levels during pregnancy and postpartum, and are not entirely caused by breastfeeding. However, if a bra with support function is used properly, it can play a certain role in preventing breast sagging.

08

Myth: Breast milk has no nutritional value after menstruation.

Analysis: Rumor! Menstruation does not affect the nutrition of breast milk.

Normally, menstruation starts about 6 months after childbirth. Menstruation is a sign that women have resumed ovulation and has nothing to do with breast milk. However, the time when menstruation resumes after childbirth is the stage when the baby needs to add complementary food. Breast milk 6 months after childbirth can no longer fully meet the child's growth needs, and complementary food needs to be added.

The correct way to breastfeed

➤ 1. Start breastfeeding as soon as possible

If the baby starts sucking within half an hour after birth, it can promote the secretion of colostrum, early breast filling and milk secretion, strengthen uterine contraction and reduce postpartum bleeding.

➤ 2. Treasure your colostrum

Colostrum (milk produced in the first seven days after birth) is rich in anti-infection substances (immune antibodies, lysozyme, etc.), which can protect babies from disease.

➤ 3. Rooming-in with baby

It allows mothers to take care of their babies and breastfeed at any time, which helps build relationships and reduces the risk of infection.

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➤ 4. Correct posture

The correct breastfeeding posture allows the mother to adopt a relaxed and comfortable position - sitting or lying. A comfortable position relaxes the muscles and is beneficial to the discharge of milk. Allowing the baby to suck in the correct position is beneficial to the baby's digestion and absorption, and avoids risks such as choking.

➤ 5. Breastfeed on demand

There is no limit on time or amount. It can promote milk secretion, maintain sufficient breast milk, increase mother-child affection, and promote the healthy growth of children.

➤ 6. Continue breastfeeding

It is recommended to exclusively breastfeed your baby until 6 months old, after which you can continue breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods until 2 years old or older.

in conclusion

During breastfeeding, mothers do not need to eat a lot of meat and fish. A normal, balanced and diversified diet is enough. Colostrum is not dirty and is very nutritious. Drinking broth appropriately can help produce milk, but drinking too much will be counterproductive. Colds and fevers will not necessarily affect the quality of breast milk. Mothers can breastfeed if they are in good physical and mental state, but they must take necessary protective measures. The saying "drinking rice wine to promote milk production" has no scientific basis. Breast sagging and deformation are not entirely caused by breastfeeding, but are also related to changes in hormone levels during pregnancy and postpartum. Menstruation does not affect the nutrition of breast milk.

References:

1 Maternal and Child Health Care Law of the People's Republic of China,

2. Notice of the National Health Commission and other departments on the issuance of the Breastfeeding Promotion Action Plan (2021-2025)

3. National Regulations on the Administration of Breast Milk Substitutes

4 World Health Organization's Ten Steps to Promote Successful Breastfeeding

5. China Infant and Young Child Feeding Guidelines (2022)

Author: Li Zhan, deputy chief physician of obstetrics and gynecology department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University

Review | Xiao Qian, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Nursing, Capital Medical University

Lu JunliChief Physician, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University

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