Social media is BIG business. Yes I did say business. There are good and bad things out there, or shall I say opinions and solid research out there. It is so easy to be caught up in the super highway of social media. If an influencer says it it its truth. Right?
Did you know research shows, if a phrase is repeated as few as two times the phrase is viewed as true. Repetition makes people believe what is said is true.
In a study reported in the Journal of Psychology and Science.
Dr Fazio and her team found that the 5- and 10-year-old children as well as the adults judged repeated statements as more often true, showing that the illusory-truth effect was similar across all three age groups. They also found that the participants’ prior knowledge did not protect them from believing repeated falsehoods .
So my caution to you is look at where the information you are getting is coming from. Is the person an expert (professional educated in the field) or are they just well meaning. It is acceptable to question where the data came from. If the person is unable to cite their sources you should look for yourself. Be aware research changes sometimes. Look art current sources. Let me give you an example.
One issue commonly discussed has to do with clogged ducts and mastitis. you will see advice by other moms to use saline solutions in a haakaa, massage, dangle feed none of which is current research. Some of which can cause further damage.
Current research tells us to treat mastitis with:
ice,
rest of the affected breast,
avoidance of deep massage or breast pump or nipple shield,
anti inflammatories and possible sunflower lecithin,
treatment of oversupply,
possibly use probiotics.
This is almost the opposite of what I was initially taught. How do I know it is good advice? the studies were done by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and they cite their information for us to follow.
So how do you know what to believe? Look art who did the research, who is recommending it. Then verify with a professional. Be aware your doctor, midwife or pediatrician may not have the most current protocols. They have so much information to keep up with.
Consider asking for a referral to a Lactation consultant to help your provider deal with the issue.
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