A baby needs extra water during the summer months.

ANSWER:  FALSE

The thirst and feeding requirements of a child are controlled naturally.  Breast milk contains all of the baby's water requirements.

TRUE or FALSE? 

Breastfeeding helps to reinforce a baby's defensive immunity system.

ANSWER:  TRUE

Especially in the first few vital days after birth, whilst the colostrum is being produced.

TRUE or FALSE? 

A baby who is breastfed needs extra vitamin D.

ANSWER:  FALSE

A vitamin D deficiency would only normally happen if the mother has a deficiency herself.  The baby stored this vitamin during pregnancy.  A little exposure to daylight on a regular basis is enough to ensure the correct levels of this vitamin in a baby.

TRUE or FALSE? 

The flavours of foods eaten by the mother goes into the breast milk.

ANSWER:  TRUE (for some foods)

In particular, the taste of cabbage, leeks and asparagus.

TRUE or FALSE? 

Breastfeeding makes a woman fatter, or at least stops her losing weight after pregnancy.

ANSWER:  FALSE

Breast milk is produced from the daily intake of food and the nutrients stored in the mother's body.  A balanced diet with enough nutrients to ensure that the baby's needs are met and the mother does not over-stock is the best approach for all.

TRUE or FALSE? 

The milk is not nourishing enough if it is too clear.

ANSWER:  FALSE

The properties of milk change over time and during breastfeeding itself.  A thicker milk simply means that it contains more fatty substances.  A poor diet is usually the cause of poor quality milk.

TRUE or FALSE? 

Breastfeeding hurts!

ANSWER:  FALSE

Very often, a little tenderness can occur in the first few days, but generally this will disappear.  Sore nipple can occur if not looked after properly... ask your mid-wife or doctor for the latest info on best-practice for looking after the nipples during breastfeeding.

TRUE or FALSE? 

Modern formula milk is the same as breast milk.

ANSWER:  FALSE

Formula milk is a general formula that is not automatically suited to the baby's needs.  It contains no anti-bodies, enzymes or hormones.  The protein & fat content is different and does not vary during the feed like in a breastfeeding session.