Spoiled breast milk: FACT or MYTH? 5 important lessons for any breastfeeding mom
Fact: Breast milk still in the breast never spoils and it is perfectly safe for your baby. However, after 6 days of no breastfeeding, a woman does not produce enough breast milk to satisfy her baby. Breastfeeding is a function of supply and demand. The higher the demand, the more milk is produced. The lower the demand, the less milk is produced.
Here are 5 important lessons to break the myths about breast milk.
1) Colostrum: the first yellowish milk.
Myth: “the first milk that is yellowish must be thrown because it is spoiling”.
Fact: of all the breast milk you give, the first yellow milk contains the richest foods needed to boost your baby’s defense system. Colostrum actually works like a 100% safe natural vaccine. Never throw away colostrum, it’s not spoiled milk, it’s the best food.
2. Sex and breast milk
Myth: “Having sex with my partner can spoil breast milk.”
Fact: Sexual intercourse has no connection with breast milk. The sperms remain only at the level of the vagina and the uterus and never cross to go to the breast. You can have sex normally with your partner without fear of the quality of breast milk. Even while breastfeeding, you can have a great sex life with your partner.
3. The baby is crying a lot
Myth: “The neighbor told me that the baby is crying a lot because the milk is spoiled and it gives him stomach pain”.
Fact: the baby will never cry because of the quality of the milk but rather because of the quantity. As long as the milk is in the breast, it can never be spoiled. However, if you stay more than 6 days without giving breast milk to your baby, the quantity may drop but never the quality, hence the need to always give breast milk to your baby until the age of 6 months.
4. The mother’s food
Myth: What you eat can spoil breast milk.
Facts: What you eat or drink can instead lower the amount of milk your breasts produce without spoiling the milk. Here are some foods and drinks that can lower the amount of milk:
- Some spices such as oregano and peppermint. But do not worry, a small amount in the food you prepare will not hurt.
- Caffeine: if you consume coffee, it is advisable not to take more than 2 cups / day.
- Alcohol: Beaufort never increases the amount of breast milk. It will rather lower the hormones that stimulate the production of breast milk.
One important thing to note: if you do not eat enough, the amount of milk will also drop.
5) Contraceptive pills
Myth: The use of pills will destroy breast milk.
Fact: the oral contraceptive contains estrogen that can lower the amount of milk produced without spoiling the milk. For breastfeeding moms who choose to take family planning pills, the contraceptive containing only progesterone is recommended.
Breast milk remains the most important food for a healthy, strong baby. ONLY give breast milk to your baby for at least six (6) months. For more information, download the GiftedMom app on playstore.
