24/04/2026
“Some of the things mothers proudly do while breastfeeding… are silently working against their baby.”
Let’s talk honestly, because this one is close to home for many Ghanaian families.
Breastfeeding is natural, yes, but doing it right is a skill. And small mistakes, the kind nobody warns you about, can affect a baby’s growth, immunity, and even long-term health.
First mistake? Thinking breast milk alone is not enough.
You’ll hear things like, “The baby is crying too much, maybe the milk is not strong.” So water, gripe water, or even early porridge enters the picture.
Here’s what’s really happening inside the baby’s body: breast milk is already about 87% water. It hydrates, feeds, and protects—all in one. The moment you add water, you dilute the baby’s nutrient intake and increase the risk of infections because their gut is still developing. That “small water” can quietly open the door to diarrhea and sickness.
Second mistake? Poor latch, but nobody notices.
The baby may be sucking, but not effectively. You see them on the breast for long, but they’re not getting enough milk.
Inside the body, milk production works like supply and demand. If the breast isn’t emptied well, the body assumes, “We don’t need much milk,” and production drops. That’s how some mothers end up saying, “My milk stopped,” when in reality, it was a latch issue from the beginning.
Third mistake? Scheduled feeding instead of responsive feeding.
Some mothers strictly wait 2–3 hours before feeding again.
But a baby’s stomach is tiny, like a small cup. Breast milk digests quickly. So when the baby shows signs, turning the head, sucking fingers, restlessness—that’s their way of saying, “I’m ready.” Delaying feeds can lead to poor weight gain and a constantly unsettled baby.
Fourth mistake? Stopping too early.
Some mothers stop exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months because of work, pressure, or body image concerns.
But here’s the science: the first 6 months is when the baby’s immune system is being “programmed.” Breast milk contains antibodies that act like a natural vaccine. Cutting it short reduces that protection and increases the risk of infections, allergies, and even chronic diseases later in life.
Fifth mistake? Mother’s nutrition is ignored.
A breastfeeding mother running on gari and stress cannot perform magic.
Your body prioritizes the baby, yes but at a cost. Low nutrient intake can leave the mother weak, fatigued, and eventually affect milk quality and quantity. Foods like kontomire, groundnuts, millet porridge, and good hydration are not just tradition—they’re functional nutrition.
And let’s address one silent issue: stress.
When a mother is overwhelmed, cortisol (stress hormone) rises, and it can interfere with milk let-down. That’s why sometimes the milk is there, but it’s not flowing well.
Breastfeeding is not just about the breast,it’s about the whole environment around the mother.
Now let me ask you, and be honest…
Which of these have you seen or experienced before and what did you think was normal at the time?
