Royan Institute Achieves Significant Success in Pediatric Oncofertility

The postpartum period can be a time of joy and first happy moments for some mothers, while for others it is accompanied by severe exhaustion, self-doubt, unexpected difficulties, and sometimes even traumatic experiences.

The truth is that childbirth, breastfeeding, and the entire journey after birth are difficult to understand unless one goes through them personally. Behind images of a smiling mother and newborn often lie stories of physical pain, emotional trials, and immense pressure to 'do everything right.'

An example of such a situation is the story of Nivedita (name changed). Five months after giving birth, she faced insufficient breast milk supply. In her effort to breastfeed her baby, she followed all advice: taking medications, using Ayurvedic remedies, changing her diet, and consulting doctors, relatives, and friends. Nothing helped. In desperation, a relative advised her an extreme and dangerous practice—burning her breasts in the hope of increasing milk production.

Unfortunately, Nivedita's experience is not unique. Across India, countless mothers silently cope with misinformation, unsolicited advice, feelings of guilt, and unrealistic expectations related to breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Myths: What Science Says

In connection with World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7), this article aims to separate fact from fiction by examining the most common misconceptions about breastfeeding and presenting the scientific perspective.

Myth 1: If you have small breasts, you cannot produce enough milk. In fact, breast size has a negligible impact on milk production. The amount of milk depends primarily on how frequently and effectively the baby latches onto the breast. Frequent feedings and proper latching stimulate milk production, not breast size.

Myth 2: Many women simply do not produce enough breast milk. True milk shortage is rare. Most mothers are capable of producing enough milk for their babies if breastfeeding is established correctly. More common causes of alleged shortage are poor latch, infrequent feedings, or incorrect positioning.

Myth 3: Breastfeeding should be painful. While slight discomfort in the first few days is normal, constant pain is not. Persistent pain often indicates issues such as improper latch, incorrect positioning, or infection, which can usually be resolved with professional help.

Myth 4: Formula milk is as good as breast milk. Infant formula is a safe alternative when breastfeeding is impossible, but it cannot replicate the antibodies, immune cells, enzymes, and other bioactive compounds in breast milk that protect infants from infections and promote healthy development.

Myth 5: You must stop breastfeeding as soon as you return to work. Many mothers successfully continue breastfeeding after returning to work by producing and storing breast milk. A supportive workplace, flexible schedule, and proper storage methods can make continued breastfeeding possible.

Myth 6: Breastfeeding should stop as soon as the baby starts eating solid food. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. After this, complementary foods should be introduced, and breastfeeding can continue until two years or longer, if both the mother and child desire.

Myth 7: Burning or massaging the breasts helps increase milk supply. There is no scientific evidence that burning the breasts, applying excessive heat, or intensive massage increases milk production. Such practices can cause burns, pain, tissue damage, and infection. The most effective way to improve milk supply is frequent breastfeeding or pumping, along with consulting a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.

Myth 8: Colostrum (the first yellow milk) should be discarded. Colostrum is often called the 'first vaccine' for the baby because it is rich in antibodies, nutrients, and immune factors that protect newborns from infections. It should always be given to the baby.

There is an increase in cases of swine flu observed in Delhi, with instances also being recorded in other regions of the country. Although the incidence of this disease is high during the rainy period year-round, there is a question regarding the link between rain and swine flu, as well as the degree of danger of this virus compared to the common flu.

According to doctors, during the monsoon season, the humidity level in the air reaches 80–90%. Under such conditions, H1N1 virus particles can remain viable in the air and on surfaces for a long time, increasing the risk of infection. Furthermore, the temperature drops during this period, which facilitates faster virus transmission. Since people try to avoid the rain, they spend time together in enclosed spaces such as homes, metros, and offices. Poor ventilation allows one sick person to infect an entire room through coughing or sneezing.

Dr. Rajindra Kumar Singh, Head of Internal Medicine at BLK Max Hospital, commented on the differences between these illnesses. He noted that with the common flu, body temperature rises slightly, whereas with swine flu, a sudden and severe fever occurs. With the common flu, mild body aches are felt, but with swine flu, severe pain and spasms occur in muscles and joints. Characteristic symptoms of swine flu include severe weakness, fatigue, and a persistent dry cough, which in some cases may be accompanied by difficulty breathing. If a person experiences such symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor and receive inpatient treatment.

Most people recover from this illness within five to seven days. However, children under five years old and the elderly over 65 years old pose an increased risk. Those who suffer from diabetes or have any respiratory diseases also face a high risk. During the rainy season, these groups of the population need to pay special attention to their health.