6

Myth: There is no way to know how much breastmilk the baby is getting

Fact: There is no easy way to measure how much the baby is getting, but this does not mean that you cannot know if the baby is getting enough. The best way to know is that the baby actually drinks at the breast for several minutes at each feeding. Look out for "open mouth wide--pause--close mouth type of suck", which is a positive sign your baby's drinking and swallowing the milk.

7

Modern formulas are almost the same as breastmilk

Fact: Despite their claims, modern formulas are only superficially similar to breastmilk. Fundamentally, formulas are inexact copies based on outdated and incomplete knowledge of what breastmilk is. Formulas contain no antibodies, no living cells, no enzymes, no hormones. They contain much more aluminum, manganese, cadmium, lead and iron than breastmilk. The proteins and fats are fundamentally different from those in breastmilk. Moreover, formulas do not vary from the beginning of the feed to the end of the feed, or from day 1 to day 7 to day 30, or from woman to woman, or from baby to baby. The bottom line? Breastmilk is always best for your baby because your breastmilk is made as required to suit your baby.

8

Myth: If you have an infection you should stop breastfeeding

Fact: With very, very few exceptions, the mother's continuing to breastfeed will actually protect the baby. That's because by the time the mother starts showing the symptoms of infection (fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, etc.), she has already passed on the infection to her baby. The baby's best protection against getting the infection is for the mother to continue breastfeeding: Even if the baby does get sick, he will be less sick if the mother continues breastfeeding.

9

Myth: If your baby has diarrhea or vomiting, you should stop breastfeeding

Fact: The best medicine for a baby's gut infection is breastfeeding. Stop other foods for a short time, but continue breastfeeding. Breastmilk is the only fluid your baby requires when he has diarrhea and/or vomiting, except under exceptional circumstances.

10

If you're taking medicine you should not breastfeed

Fact: There are very few medicines that a mother cannot take safely while breastfeeding. A very small amount of most medicines appears in the milk, but usually in such small quantities that there is no concern. If you're unsure, check with your doctor: If the medicine is truly of concern, there are usually equally effective, alternative medicines that are safe.