By Hui Ling Ooi | withhuiling
When I had my first daughter in 2015, eleven years ago now, I was completely clueless about breastfeeding. My breastfeeding journey began with so many questions—and very little idea of where to find reliable breastfeeding support.
Among the people around me, breastfeeding knowledge was limited, but opinions? There were plenty. Everyone seemed to have something different to say about how I should feed my baby.
Some of you may recognise those comments, especially from parents, in-laws or older relatives: “Your breast milk isn’t enough.” “Your baby is growing; she needs more than that.” Or, “You must give the baby some water.”
And yes, even now, remembering some of those comments makes me roll my eyes a little. 🙄 People could sound so certain—as though their own experience settled the question, even when healthcare guidance said otherwise.
But when you are a new mother, that confidence can make you doubt yourself. You are still learning, you want to do the best for your baby, and suddenly you are wondering: Am I doing this wrong? Should I listen to them?
One of the breastfeeding myths I kept hearing was about water. An exclusively breastfed baby does not need additional water during the first six months. Breast milk provides both nourishment and hydration, unless there is a medical reason for a different care plan. Yet relatives may still insist that a baby needs water because that is what they have always done.
That kind of conflicting advice sent me searching online, trying to understand what was true and why.
One of the biggest lessons I took from that experience was this: knowledge matters, and knowing where that knowledge comes from matters too.
Someone saying, “I raised children this way,” does not automatically mean their advice is accurate or suitable for your baby. Family experience can be valuable, but feeding advice still needs to stand up to evidence.
I wanted more than instructions. I wanted to understand the reasons behind them, so I could make decisions with confidence instead of being pulled in a different direction by every comment.
Today, that experience stays with me in my work as a lactation counsellor in Penang. I remember what it feels like to be the mother with all the questions, surrounded by people who seem to have all the answers.
I want mothers to feel comfortable asking: “Is this true?” “What does the evidence say?” and “Does this advice apply to my baby?”
You can respect your family and still question their advice. You can be a first-time mother and still have a voice in decisions about your baby.
If you are a first-time mum looking for breastfeeding support in Penang, I offer lactation counselling through KindTouch. We can talk through your questions, explore your feeding goals and work out when further assessment is needed. You deserve clear information and support that considers both you and your baby.
To ask about lactation counselling in Penang, message me on WhatsApp.
I’m here to help you find the right support and guidance.
