Motherhood is challenging as it is without the need for additional, well-meaning yet unsolicited advice pouring in left and right. There are so many such myths regarding newborns that need to be debunked for your sake and the sake of every new mother out there wondering what they’re doing wrong. Not all health myths are created equal, she said. Some, like the two that have served as the titles of her books, are things parents say and are pretty harmless. That isn’t always the case. “There are a few myths that might cause harm,” she said.
Some baby advice is really helpful and some of it is just plain wrong. Here are the most common things people say about babies that aren’t true.
Myth: Achievement of developmental milestones early means that your baby is exceptionally gifted
Truth: Unfortunately, there isn’t such a thing. Every infant is different and grows at their own rate, therefore the standards we have in place are designed to identify delays rather than celebrate early successes. Early milestones aren’t worth celebrating, but excessively delayed milestones must be noted.
Myth: Routine is important and healthy for a newborn baby
Truth: Your mother could be telling you that you need to get your baby to sleep on time or you’re doing parenting wrong. Truth is, it is nearly impossible to get a newborn baby to do anything that you want. Babies need to be fed way more frequently than you think they do and they cannot sleep for more than a few hours at a time.
Myth: The umbilical cord stem requires special cleaning
Truth: You don’t need to go overboard and use alc0hol or other antiseptic solutions to sanitize the stump of the umbilical cord, using soap and water is plenty. Just clean it well every time to clean your baby, and don’t panic if it gets dirty. Caring for the umbilical cord is easy and often highly overrated.
Myth: You shouldn’t spoil your baby by picking them up every time they cry
Truth: Your baby cannot talk to you and the only way they can communicate distress and discomfort is through their cries. They might need a change, milk or there could be something worse. Never ignore a crying baby as they seldom cry for no reason. Also, you cannot possibly spoil a newborn baby.
Myth: Young babies need to be bathed every day
Truth: This is not required, but if you believe it will offer you more time to bond with your infant and make it a more joyful experience for both of you, go ahead and do it. Use baby wipes to keep them clean, and make sure their hands and genitals are clean at all times.
Myth: Oil massages are old school or old-fashioned.
Fact: Oil massages have been in Indian culture for a very long time, but this does not mean that this age-old practice should be replaced or can be done without. Massaging a baby with oil is recommended because it helps in better circulation of blood in the body of your baby and it also helps induce sleep.
Myth: Mothers, who are united with their babies as soon as they deliver, bond better with their babies.
Fact: It is important for a baby to feel a mother’s warmth and touch, immediately after birth but it may not be feasible in case of premature delivery or a c-section. But you don’t need to worry as a few days or hours of separation will not affect your life-long bond, and you will get enough time to strengthen your bond with your baby.
Myth: My breast milk supply could run out soon
Truth: Even if your baby feeds up to 12 times each day, you’ll have enough food to give them whenever they need it. Even if your infant is exclusively breastfed, you will never run out of milk. You may feel this way at first, but it’s merely because it takes up to six weeks for the production of milk to be regulated.
These were some common myths related to taking care of newborn babies. Hopefully, we helped debunk them to your satisfaction.
The only way to debunk most of these myths is to do your research and question everything that does not have a strong and obvious reason to back it up. While many such myths could be harmless, some can put your baby at risk.
