3 weeks ago
The Truth Behind Breastfeeding Myths Every Indian Mom Hears
Some mothers in India hear a lot of advice about feeding their babies, but not all of it is true.
One mom was even told to burn her breasts to make more milk, which is very dangerous and does not work.
The size of your breasts does not decide how much milk you can make.
Babies help their mothers make milk by feeding often and latching on the right way.
Most mothers actually make enough milk for their babies.
Breastfeeding should not hurt for a long time, and if it does, mothers should get help.
Breast milk is special because it has antibodies that help protect babies from getting sick.
Baby formula is okay when breastfeeding is not possible, but it cannot copy those protections.
The first yellow milk, called colostrum, is like a baby's first vaccine and should never be thrown away.
Experts say babies should get only breast milk for the first six months, and mothers can keep breastfeeding for two years or longer.
World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August) spotlights the misinformation and unsolicited advice Indian mothers face around breastfeeding.
A mother identified as Niveditha (name changed) was advised by a relative to burn her breasts to boost milk supply — a practice with no scientific evidence that can cause burns, tissue damage, and infection.
Breast size has little to do with milk production; frequent feeding and a proper latch are what stimulate supply.
True low milk supply is uncommon, and persistent breastfeeding pain usually signals problems like poor latch, positioning, or infection.
WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by complementary foods while breastfeeding continues up to two years or beyond.
- Who
- Indian mothers such as Niveditha, who face misinformation and harmful advice, along with experts and organizations including the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
- What
- A myth-busting report marking World Breastfeeding Week, debunking common misconceptions about breastfeeding — including the dangerous belief that burning the breasts increases milk supply.
- Where
- India.
- When
- During World Breastfeeding Week, observed 1–7 August.
- Why
- Because mothers often navigate misinformation, guilt, and unrealistic expectations, and unsafe traditional practices can cause burns, pain, tissue damage, and infection.
Traditional Beliefs & Advice
Medical Science & Evidence
Breast size and milk supply
Traditional Beliefs & Advice
Small breasts will not produce enough milk for the baby.
Medical Science & Evidence
Breast size has very little to do with milk production; frequent, effective feeding and a proper latch stimulate supply.
Burning breasts to increase milk
Traditional Beliefs & Advice
Burning or vigorously massaging the breasts can increase milk production.
Medical Science & Evidence
There is no scientific evidence for this; such practices can cause burns, pain, tissue damage, and infection.
Discarding colostrum
Traditional Beliefs & Advice
The first yellow milk (colostrum) should be discarded.
Medical Science & Evidence
Colostrum is a baby's 'first vaccine,' packed with antibodies, and should always be fed to the baby.
Key facts
- Event
- World Breastfeeding Week
- Dates
- 1–7 August
- Exclusive breastfeeding
- Recommended for the first six months (WHO)
- Breastfeeding duration
- Up to two years or beyond, alongside complementary foods
- Myths addressed
- 8 common myths, including small breasts and burning breasts
- Low milk supply
- True low supply is uncommon; poor latch or infrequent feeding are more common causes
- Colostrum
- Called a baby's 'first vaccine'; packed with antibodies and immune factors
- Breastfeeding pain
- Mild early discomfort is normal; persistent pain is not
Quotes
Unspecified source
Adviser who suggested harmful practice
“Breastfeeding should stop once the baby starts eating solid foods.”
thebetterindia.com
“Burning or massaging the breasts helps increase milk supply.”
thebetterindia.com
Niveditha
Mother sharing her experience with low milk supply
“I had tried medication, Ayurvedic remedies, dietary changes, and suggestions from doctors, family members, and friends, but nothing helped.”
thebetterindia.com
Sources
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