Misinformation and myths about breastfeeding are rampant out there. Learn some of the top breastfeeding myths perpetuated online (and in real life!) and the truth behind them.
If you’ve breastfed before, you know it isn’t always easy. It’s hard to know where to turn to for help. And in this day and age of the internet, it’s easy to use Google as our doctor and advisor in the middle of the night.
That’s why, in this expert-written post, we’re tackling some of the most pervasive and common myths around breastfeeding so you can finally know what’s normal and what’s not.
Five common breastfeeding myths debunked
Myth 1: Breastfeeding is easy and comes naturally
The media often portrays breastfeeding as natural and enjoyable, and many moms go into their breastfeeding journeys with unrealistic expectations. Many people struggle – with pain, production problems, babies who won’t latch, or recurrent breast infections, to name a few.
It’s important to know upfront that not everyone’s journey is smooth. Knowing this will help you avoid surprises and will also help you to prepare by putting together a list of professionals who can help you.
This list can include lactation consultants, doulas, breastfeeding-trained doctors, peer breastfeeding support groups, and more. You can never have too much help.
Myth 2: Nursing should not be painful, or nursing is always painful
This one could go either way. The truth is that many factors go into whether feeding your baby at the breast is comfortable. It’s hard to predict who will have trouble with pain.
Most women experience nipple pain as they and their baby learn this new skill, but it should not be persistent. Pain should improve throughout feeding and improve over the first few weeks.
If you’re having pain that is not improving, some specialists can assess your baby and their latch (as well as your anatomy). They can help you determine what to change to make things more comfortable.
And sometimes, just a simple tweak in positioning can make a difference. Breastfeeding may not be pain-free, but if the pain is severe or persistent, getting help is essential.
Myth 3: Thrush (yeast) is the main cause of nipple pain
Nipple or breast thrush is a common diagnosis during lactation but not incredibly common. If you receive this diagnosis, it is wise to be skeptical and ask more questions about it.
Seek help from someone who practices evidence-based breastfeeding care. There are many more likely diagnoses for breast and nipple pain.
Also, if your baby has oral thrush, you (the mom) do not require treatment unless you also have a definitive diagnosis of thrush.
Myth 4: Your supply needs to increase as the baby grows
This one is often a surprise. Babies typically take their most significant volumes of milk (in 24 hours) when they are about three months old. If you look at volumes over time, their 4-6 weeks intake isn’t much different from six months or a year.
How can this possibly be the case? Simply put, the answer is that newborn babies grow quickly and have high caloric needs. After a few months, a baby’s metabolism slows down.
As this happens, the same amount of milk can provide adequate nutrition for the larger/older baby with a naturally slower metabolism.
Then, at about 4-6 months, babies start to eat “solid” foods in addition to breast milk, sometimes lowering the demand for breast milk. They can stay at the same milk volumes and continue growing with these complementary foods’ help.
Furthermore, babies often become more distracted as they age and may have less patience for long periods at the breast.
Myth 5: There’s a “right way” to feed your baby
Not only is there no one “right” way to feed your baby, but there are many ways you can feed your baby. None of these ways are “better” or “worse” than any other way.
Feeding 8 Tips for Nipple and Breast Care for Breastfeeding Moms
Yes, breastmilk has benefits for babies and moms that formula doesn’t offer. But that doesn’t mean that breastfeeding always works or that it’s always what a family desires to do.
Here are a few different ways to feed your baby while breastfeeding:
- Directly nurse their baby
- Feed breastmilk by the bottle (pumped by themselves or a donor)
- Use a combination of breast and bottle
- Use a combination of breast milk and formula
These are all acceptable ways to feed a baby (and more are not listed!). No one should feel shame or guilt if they choose something different from their neighbor.
They should not feel guilt or shame if they must switch to a method that was not what they had planned. They might be sad if their preferred method doesn’t work out.
We find enough things as moms to feel guilty about, and – contrary to many messages we might receive – breastfeeding doesn’t need to be another.
It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each method and how it makes sense (or not) for you and your family. Then, it’s crucial to get help if you need it. Make sure you are heard, and your questions are answered.
Be flexible and willing to improvise and change plans to preserve your or your baby’s health. Ultimately, a baby needs to be fed, and a baby needs a mom to care for her health and needs.
Whatever it takes to make that happen is what is most important in the end.