Breastfeeding Myths

Knowing the breastfeeding myths from the breastfeeding facts will help you get one step closer to a successful breastfeeding experience.

Make sure you get information and advice from a lactation consultant not just anybody...most doctors and pediatricians have very little insight and knowledge on breastfeeding. They sometimes only do a very basic course on breastfeeding. Some pediatricians and doctors have been known to spread some outrageous breastfeeding myths.

So don’t believe everything you hear…even if they come from a granny or mother

There are so many opinions on breastfeeding; here we will uncover some famous breastfeeding myths that could affect your breastfeeding relationship.

Common breastfeeding myths...

1. Myth ~ It’s common not being able to produce milk

Truth ~ Even though there are some women who cannot produce milk , most of the time moms only think they cannot produce milk…usually the breastfeeding problem is connected with improper latching.

Truth ~ Breastfeeding can cause some nipple and breast sensitivity in the beginning, but should not hurt…if mom is experiencing immense pain it indicates that baby is not latched on correctly or that baby has a sucking problem.

3. Myth ~ I’m not producing enough milk on the first few days

Truth ~ Many times a new mom will think that she is not producing enough milk, but the truth is that during the first few days you only produce colostrum. Baby has a very small tummy and only needs a very small amount to fill him.

4. Myth ~ Baby should drink from each breast for a certain amount of time with each feeding.

Truth ~ Baby should be allowed to finish one breast before being put on the other one. This is so that he can receive the substantial fatty hind milk at the back of the breast. Doing this will decrease runny explosive stools and colic symptoms.

5. Myth ~ Breastfed babies need extra water

Truth ~ Breastfed babies do not need any other supplements, breast milk contains everything baby needs.

6. Myth ~ You need to wash your nipples before every feed

Truth ~ Mom does not need to wash her nipples before every feed, your nipples produce natural cleaning oils and when you keep washing them they can become dried out and crack.

7. Myth ~ If you pump, you will be able to see or calculate how much milk you are producing.

Truth ~ A pump cannot remove as much milk as a baby, and can also not stimulate the breasts like a baby can. Pumping cannot give an accurate estimate of how much milk you are producing.

8. Myth ~ Breast milk does not contain enough Iron

Truth ~ Breast milk generally does contain enough iron, the only reason why formulas contain more iron is because they are not absorbed as easily as breast milk.

9. Myth ~ Breastfeeding is more effort and time-consuming

Truth ~ It depends on the individual, but most moms who have breastfed and formula fed have said that formula feeding takes more effort in getting bottles ready and cleaning. Breast milk is always available and at the right temperature with no cleaning afterward.

10. Myth ~ Formulas are just as good as breast milk

Truth ~ Formula contains no antibodies to help fight infections, no hormones or enzymes, their protein and fats are very different from those found in breast milk. Read more on the advantages of breast milk.

11. Myth ~ Mom should stop breastfeeding if she becomes sick.

Truth ~ Mom should continue to breastfeed if she is sick…this will ensure that baby receives the antibodies that will help him fight off these germs later on in life. Read more on breastfeeding while being sick.

12. Myth ~ Mom should stop breastfeeding if baby is vomiting and has diarrhea

Truth ~ No, mom should continue to breastfeed. Breastfeeding will help baby heal faster. Breast milk is the best medicine for a gut infection.

Truth ~ There are medications that should not be taken while breastfeeding, but most of the time there are safe alternatives…just let your doctor know that you are breastfeeding and would like to continue breastfeeding. Many women stop breastfeeding if they are on depression medication…read more on antidepressants and breastfeeding.

14. Myth ~ Breastfeeding can make your breasts change shape and become saggy.

Truth ~ Pregnancy is what changes a person's breasts, not breastfeeding.

15. Myth ~ If your breasts are small you won't produce enough breast milk

Truth ~ The size of your breasts do not determine breast milk production. Women with large breasts have the same amount of milk producing glands as small breasted women.

Read more on breastfeeding with small breasts

16. Myth ~ Mom must wean baby when he starts to teethe

Truth ~ Mom can continue to breastfeed. Read more on breastfeeding a biting baby.

17. Myth ~ Mom must wean baby if she falls pregnant again.

Truth ~ Many women continue to breastfeed right through their pregnancies and then tandem feed their babies. Read more on breastfeeding while being pregnant.

18. Myth ~ Breastfeeding after a c-section birth is impossible.

Truth ~ This is not true, read more here on breastfeeding after a c-section.

19. Myth ~ You cannot breastfeed if you are going to return to work

Truth ~ You can continue to breastfeed, some moms breastfeed in the evenings when they get home and pump during the day. Read more on working and breastfeeding.

20. Myth ~ Breastfeeding will destroy your sex life

Truth ~ Pregnancy may decrease your libido a little…read more on breastfeeding and sex here.

21. Myth ~ Breastfeeding will keep you from losing weight.

Truth ~ Breastfeeding will consume an extra 500 – 1000 calories daily. Read more on breastfeeding and loosing weight.

22. Myth ~ Moms should not breastfeed past a year as the milk loses its nutritional value.

Truth ~ Your breast milk changes as baby grows. It always contains all its protective properties and nutrients. Read more on breastfeeding older children.

23. Myth ~ If you are upset your milk will turn sour

Truth ~ This is just an old wives tale.

24. Myth ~ If you breastfeed you won't fall pregnant

Truth ~ You can ovulate even before your periods show up...this is not a 100% sure preventative measure.

25. Myth ~ Moms with breast implants or who have had other breast surgery done cannot breastfeed.

Truth ~ You can still breastfeed even with implants. Read more here on breastfeeding after breast surgery.

26. Myth ~ You need to drink cows milk to produce breast milk

Truth ~ Untrue, you do not need to drink cows milk at all.

27. Myth ~ Mom should not allow comfort feeding

Truth ~ There are many benefits…read more on comfort breastfeeding

28. Myth ~ Some babies are allergic to breast milk

29. Myth ~ You can't breastfeed with flat or inverted nipples

Truth ~ Many moms have proven this type of breastfeeding myth statement wrong. Read more on breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples.

30. Myth ~ You can't drink any alcohol while breastfeeding

Truth ~ Moms may drink alcohol in moderation while breastfeeding. Read more on drinking alcohol and breastfeeding.

31. Myth ~ You need to harden and prepare your nipples for breastfeeding

Truth ~ This is one of the breastfeeding myths that can actually do mom more harm than good. Your nipples do not need hardening...moms that do harden their nipples will find that they crack more than what they would if you just kept them soft with lanolin

32. Myth ~ You should not exercise while breastfeeding

Truth ~ Even the most strenuous exercise will not have much effect on your breast milk. Read more on exercise while breastfeeding.

33. Myth ~ Mixing breast milk and formula can harm baby

Truth ~ Combination feeding is often done and cannot harm baby…read more on combination feeding here.

34. Myth ~ Mothers who smoke should not breastfeed

Truth ~ Not true! Mothers who smoke should breastfeed, it will help protect baby against the negative effects of the cigarette smoke. Read more on breastfeeding and smoking.

35. Myth ~ Babies with cleft lips and/or palates cannot breastfeed.

Truth ~ This is one of the definite breastfeeding myths. Some of these babies can learn to breastfeed, even if they don’t…this should not stop you from pumping. ANY amount of breast milk is valuable.

Other pages on "breastfeeding problems" in connection with breastfeeding myths

- Breastfeeding pictures

- Breastfeeding videos

- Breastfeeding books

Share some breastfeeding myths that you know about...

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