Everyone has an opinion about breastfeeding, and a lot of misinformation. Myths about breastfeeding are spread everywhere, from well-meaning relatives to internet forums. You might have heard that “the bigger your breasts are, the more milk you will produce” or “you can’t become pregnant while breastfeeding. If you are a new mother, soon-to-be parent or just curious, knowing the truth 7 Common Breastfeeding Myths will empower you to make an informed decision.
The journey of breastfeeding is deeply personal and varies greatly from mother to mother. It’s fine if what works for one family doesn’t work for another. When myths become accepted as fact, they can cause unnecessary pressure and doubt.
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Why Breastfeeding Myths Persist?
Why do these myths persist in a world that is so information-rich? The fact that breastfeeding is a long-held tradition surrounded by anecdotal stories, cultural beliefs and generational advice that may not be based on science, could explain why. It’s possible that what worked for your grandmother or neighbour may not have been based on current medical knowledge. However, these stories can still be influential.
In many communities, breastfeeding remains a taboo topic. Many parents rely on social media and hearsay due to stigmatisation, shame or uncertainty. Myths spread faster than the truth. It’s important to get accurate, clear and supportive information about breastfeeding to help you.
In this article, we will debunk 7 Common Breastfeeding Myths. Let’s set the record straight and clear up any misinformation about breastfeeding.
The 7 Common Breastfeeding Myths
It’s a natural way to nourish your child, but there are many myths and outdated information about breastfeeding. Misinformation can come in many forms, from well-meaning family members to online forums. For new parents, this can be overwhelming.
Many of these myths, whether they are about the milk supply, your diet or how long to breastfeed, can cause unnecessary stress and even lead some mothers to quit breastfeeding sooner than intended. The good news is? These misconceptions are not based on science.
Let’s separate the myth from the reality and give parents all they need to know about their breastfeeding journey.
Myth #1. Breastfeeding should be easy because it is natural.
It’s important to be honest: breastfeeding is not easy. Even if breastfeeding isn’t difficult at first, you may face a few challenges down the road (like Mastitis and thrush).
Every mother’s journey to breastfeeding is unique. If something doesn’t feel right, ask for help. You and your baby will both be learning to breastfeed. For some mothers, the learning curve is steeper.
Myth#2. It can be uncomfortable at first, but that shouldn’t last.
It may hurt at first when your baby is learning to latch on to the breast, but if it does, you should adjust their latch, or they could be having difficulty latching because of issues like a lip or tongue tie. Pain can be caused by mastitis, which is another issue that shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Again, don’t suffer in silence. Speak to your GP or maternal child health nurse to ensure that there is no underlying problem causing pain.
Myth #3. You are not pregnant any more, so you may eat or drink anything you like!
You can now relax the strict pregnancy food restrictions regarding Listeria. Many mums celebrate their new baby with soft cheeses and sushi.
You still need to monitor your diet because your nutritional requirements change a lot while breastfeeding. When you are breastfeeding, your body’s daily recommended intake of nutrients can increase by as much as 188 per cent.
Some foods, such as acidic fruits (oranges and apples) or caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, or cola, may cause your milk to taste different or even trigger reflux symptoms in your baby.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association suggests planning and keeping in mind this rule: Alcohol concentration in blood equals alcohol concentration in milk.
Alcohol can easily move from your blood into your breastmilk and back again. You will find alcohol in your breastmilk between 30-60 minutes following the start of drinking.
Myth #4. Your baby should always feed for a set amount of time
A lactation consultant gave me the best advice: think of your baby’s meals the same way that you do your own. You may feel like having a roast dinner with all the trimmings. Sometimes you just want a snack.
It’s not a good idea to watch the clock while your baby feeds. This will only cause confusion and stress when you find that your baby’s feeding is shorter than you thought it should be. You can offer more if you feel your baby is still interested after a short break and a burp. But trust your baby to let you know when he or she has had enough. This is usually done by the baby pulling away from you or closing their mouth.
In general, your baby’s first feed will be larger in the morning or after a prolonged sleep.
Myth #5. You must feed both breasts simultaneously
You should let your baby feed from only one breast so that they can get both the fore and rear-milk. In the first few weeks, some mums will feed their babies from both breasts. This is to establish a good supply of milk.
Some babies will also want to nurse from the second breast, while others won’t. They may not do it every time.
My lactation consultant also told me that I have enough milk to feed twins. Remember, as long as your baby appears satisfied and full, they are.
Myth #6. Babies receive all the milk needed in the first minutes of a feeding
It’s not the case with newborns, as they are still learning how to feed themselves. Relax and allow them to take their time to learn how to latch on, suckle and swallow. With time, they will become more adept at latching and sucking.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that they are doing it correctly or that your baby is a “bad” feeder. Each feeding relationship is unique.
Baby’s sucking is not only for nutrition, but for comfort as well. Sit back and relax while your baby enjoys the closeness of Mummy during a long, quiet feed.
Myth #7. The opposite is likely to be true. You will have enough milk for your baby to feed, and as they nurse, your body will produce more.
Some babies seem to “snack” constantly or go through phases called “cluster feeding”, while others take longer breaks between meals. When it comes to how frequently and how long a baby will feed, there is no scientific formula.
You can also book a session with a lactation consultant if you want expert guidance. If you’re looking for expert advice, booking a session with lactation consultants can be a good option.
Do not compare your baby’s feeding style to that of other babies. Your baby and you are creating a unique relationship through feeding. So, congratulate yourself, Mama! You’re doing a great job!
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a deeply individual journey. Parents need to know the truth and not be influenced by false information. This will allow them to make an informed decision without feeling any guilt or stress. Some myths about breastfeeding are outdated or untrue, such as the idea that you need to drink more milk to produce milk or that your breasts will not be able to produce enough. We want to empower mothers with the truth, normalise breastfeeding, and reassure them that there’s no “right” way of feeding your baby. You should trust your instincts and seek help when necessary. The most important thing is to feed your baby with love, however that may look.
