If you are a new mom and you’re looking into breastfeeding, I’m sure that you are getting a lot of information thrown at you! Amidst all the information, you have probably stumbled upon some myths. Today, we are going to bust 10 breastfeeding myths!
🍼 1. Myth: You can’t breastfeed after a C-section
If you are having a planned c-section, then you may have heard that you won’t produce milk right after your c-section. It’s true that your body has gone through a lot of stress from your surgery, but you can still produce milk! It may just take some extra support and patience.
You will produce colostrum, which is a nutrient-rich milk that every breastfeeding mom produces regardless of how they gave birth! Truth: Most mothers begin producing colostrum (the nutrient-rich first milk) at week 16 of pregnancy , so you will have “milk”right away! You may just need to express it yourself if baby is unable to latch right away.
🌙 2. Myth: Breastfeeding should come naturally and be painless
Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby, so it should come naturally and pain-free, right?
Nope!
Even though breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t come naturally to many moms, and that’s ok! It’s a learned skill. It’s a new journey that you are embarking on so it’s ok to not 100% know what you’re doing. And you may experience some discomfort while breastfeeding. If you are experiencing pain, or you have questions about breastfeeding, I am here to help you!
💧 3. Myth: Small breasts can’t produce enough milk
It seems logical to us that smaller breasts produce a small amount of milk, certainly not enough for your baby. But, that’s not true!
Breast size doesn’t determine how much milk you can produce, it’s the size of your glandular tissue. So if you are worried about producing enough milk with smaller breasts, no need! You can feed and support your baby!
🍽️ 4. Myth: You have to eat a perfect diet to breastfeed
Eating healthy while breastfeeding is important. It’s important to nourish the “milk making factory” but you don’t need to eat the perfect “clean” diet. What we put into our bodies helps fuel it to make milk AND support our normal body functions. Aim for 100 grams of protein each day and drink at least half your body weight in water in ounces each day as well!
🍼 5. Myth: You need to supplement with formula if baby feeds frequently
At some point in your breastfeeding journey, your baby may begin to feed a lot more frequently than normal. You may think that you’re not producing enough, and so you should start giving them some formula as well.
That’s not true!
This is called cluster feeding, and it is completely normal in a baby, especially when they are growing. It doesn’t mean that you need to supplement with formula. When a baby does this, it signals your body to produce more milk for your growing baby. Your body can do it!
👶 6. Myth: If baby doesn’t latch right away, breastfeeding won’t work
If my baby doesn’t latch right away then breastfeeding isn’t going to work for us, right?
No!
Breastfeeding CAN still work for you and your baby! Latching on is just something new for you and your baby, so it may take some time and a couple tries to get it right. Getting in some skin-to-skin contact can help, and getting support from a lactation consultant can help you continue on your breastfeeding journey!
🧊 7. Myth: You can’t nurse if you’re on medication
I’m on medication, so I can’t give that to my baby through breastfeeding.
You can still breastfeed! Most medications are safe, but you should always check with a healthcare provider.
🚼 8. Myth: Breastfeeding prevents you from getting pregnant
I’m breastfeeding, so my ovulation is suppressed and I can’t get pregnant.
Not quite!
While exclusively breastfeeding can suppress your ovulation, it does not mean that you can’t get pregnant. If you plan on using birth control, don’t use breastfeeding!
🌎 9. Myth: Breastfeeding in public is inappropriate
I can’t breastfeed my baby in public, it’s inappropriate.
I can see why you would feel this way, but you can still breastfeed in public! It is legal in many countries, including the U.S. If you are worried about covering up, you can use a nursing cover while feeding in public to make you more comfortable.
⏱️ 10. Myth: You should stop breastfeeding after a year
Once my baby is over a year old, I should stop breastfeeding.
Nope, you don’t have to! Many babies will breastfeed until they are around 2 years old and sometimes older! Your milk was made for them, and it changes with them to provide all the nutrients they need. You can continue to breastfeed for as long as it is comfortable for you and your baby.
If you’re struggling to nurse your baby, don’t hesitate to reach out — you don’t have to do this alone. Supporting moms and babies through the ups and downs of breastfeeding is truly an honor. You’ve got this, and I’m here to help.