16 Common Myths About Breastfeeding Busted

Breastfeeding your baby is one of the best things you can do for their health and development. Breast milk is packed with nutrients and can provide an impressive number of antibodies to help build your baby’s immune system. However, several myths surround breastfeeding and nursing, many of which can cause anxiety or stress in new moms. To help you prepare for the arrival of your little one, we'll go over 16 common myths about breastfeeding and the truth about each.

16 Breastfeeding Myths and Their Counterparts

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies consume only breast milk until they're at least six months of age. Afterward, solids can be introduced, and you can continue breastfeeding as supplemental nutrition. During this time, it's important to work with your doctor and listen to their advice—not the information circulating online. Still, it's hard to differentiate between fact and fiction, and you might not want to call your pediatrician every 10 minutes (but if you do, that's okay, too). Here are a few myths breastfeeding mothers should know for peace of mind.

1. Breastfeeding is Painful

Discomfort is normal, especially when your baby is getting used to latching and nursing. But breastfeeding should not hurt. There are several different things you can do to help decrease nipple soreness. Some ways are to ensure your baby is latched effectively, trying different positions, and utilizing the proper aftercare. If you're still experiencing soreness or pain, talk to your doctor about your options.

2. Breastfeeding is Easy

While it does come naturally to some new moms, close to 70% experience difficulties breastfeeding. Yes, it's natural, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. If you're struggling, try different breastfeeding positions or ask your doctor to refer you to a lactation consultant. Breastfeeding takes time, but that doesn't mean you should give up. Try to be patient with yourself, especially during the days after birth, and keep trying. While working toward a strong latch, continue to bond with your baby through skin-to-skin contact.

3. You Need to Start Breastfeeding Immediately

There is indeed a lot of positive evidence that breastfeeding immediately after birth helps make the process easier, but it's not required. If you're not able to breastfeed in the first hour after delivery, try as soon as you can.

4. Your Milk Supply Will Be Low for the First Few Days

During the first few days after delivery, your body produces a special type of milk called colostrum. It's often called "liquid gold" because of its rich, nutrient-dense composition. Colostrum is thicker and more concentrated than mature milk and is packed with antibodies to help protect your newborn from infections. Your milk supply will naturally increase after a few days as your baby continues to nurse, so don't worry if it seems like you're not producing much at first—your body is doing exactly what it needs to.

5. You Can't Take Any Medications if You're Breastfeeding

Many medications are safe to take while breastfeeding, but it's essential to consult with your doctor before starting any new medication. Some drugs can pass into breast milk and may not be safe for your baby, so if you're in doubt, call your doctor.

6. You Can't Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding

Yes, breastfeeding can delay the return of your menstrual cycle, but that does not make it an effective form of birth control. The hormone prolactin, responsible for milk production, can suppress ovulation, but this isn't guaranteed. If you start having sex while you're still breastfeeding and don't want to add another little one to your family, use birth control.

7. Breastfeeding is a Great Tool for Weight Loss

Although breastfeeding burns some extra calories, you need to eat more to have energy and establish your milk supply. Breast milk production can be affected by diets that are too low in calories, so if you try to lose weight too soon after delivery, your body may not make enough milk. Ideally, wait at least two months or until your breast milk supply is stable and firmly established before trying to lose postpartum weight. You should also work with your doctor to ensure it's safe before getting started. Building your milk supply should be prioritized over losing a few extra pounds.

8. The Size of Your Breasts Will Impact Breastfeeding

You will produce enough milk regardless of whether you have small or large breasts. The size does not indicate how much milk you can produce nor how easy breastfeeding will be.

Many women who have implants or get breast augmentation can also breastfeed. If a breast implant is placed underneath your breast fold/muscle, breastfeeding shouldn't be an issue. If you had an incision around the areola, your milk ducts may have been affected, which can lead to a decreased milk supply. Talk to your surgeon and doctor to get more information about breastfeeding after implants or augmentation.

9. You Can't Breastfeed with Flat or Inverted Nipples

Some women have flat or inverted nipples, which might make nursing seem more challenging, but it doesn’t mean breastfeeding is impossible. Often, with the right techniques and support, mothers with flat or inverted nipples can successfully breastfeed. Some options include using nipple shields, breast pumping before nursing, and stimulating your nipple with gentle rolling techniques.

10. Once You Use a Bottle, Your Baby Won't Take Your Nipple

If you cannot breastfeed while you're at the hospital, they will give your baby a bottle of formula. You need to nourish a hungry baby, and formula is better than nothing. However, drinking from a bottle doesn't mean your baby will never latch. As long as you continue to breastfeed, you can use a mixture of nursing and bottle feeding—especially if you're using a breast pump.

11. You Always Need to Wash Your Nipples Before Your Baby Latches

The idea behind this myth is understandable—you want to reduce germs that would make your baby sick. However, your nipples actually produce a unique odor that your baby can recognize. And they produce good bacteria that can help protect your baby by strengthening their immune system. Normal hygiene measures are recommended, of course, but you don't have to wash your nipples every single time you nurse.

12. When Breastfeeding, You Need to Eat Plain or Bland Foods

Another myth is that a mother's diet directly impacts nursing. Although there may be a small truth in that, it doesn't mean you need to eat plain or bland foods. You can enjoy the things you like in a balanced diet, just try to pay attention to how your baby reacts. There are a few foods that you may want to avoid (or limit) while breastfeeding, but only if they result in issues. If you notice that they get fussy or gassy every time after you eat something specific, talk to your doctor.

13. You Should Stop Breastfeeding When You're Sick

Contrary to this myth, you should actually continue breastfeeding if you're feeling under the weather. In fact, your breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect your baby from the illness you're fighting off. Your body produces these antibodies in response to the germs you're exposed to, providing your baby with a tailor-made defense system. Just take precautions when you feed your baby, such as washing your hands and practicing good hygiene. You can find specific information about COVID and breastfeeding here.

14. Breastfeeding Makes Your Breasts Saggy

Breastfeeding is often blamed for sagging breasts, but the reality is that it's usually more related to genetics. Pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations, and the natural process of aging can also contribute to changes in your breasts, so try not to focus on that just yet.

15. You Need to Wean Your Baby When You Return to Work

You don't have to stop breastfeeding just because you're going back to work. Many mothers successfully continue breastfeeding by pumping milk during the day and nursing when they're with their babies. Most employers are required to provide a private space (other than a bathroom) and break time for nursing mothers to pump at work. With a good-quality breast pump and some planning, you can keep up your milk supply and continue to provide breast milk for your baby even after you return to work.

16. You Need to "Pump and Dump" if You Have Alcohol

You don't have to "pump and dump" every time you have a drink, but moderation is key. A small amount of alcohol can pass into breast milk, but in general, if you're sober enough to drive, you're likely sober enough to breastfeed. If you do choose to drink, it's best to wait at least two hours per drink before breastfeeding to allow your body time to metabolize the alcohol.

To support a healthy breastfeeding journey and improve your success from day one, don’t forget to get your insurance-covered breast pump from Byram Healthcare. Connect with one of our specialists today to find lactation support or get started with your order.