There is a lot of information going around about breastfeeding these days. Some of that information is true, while some of it is false. This post hopes to correct some of those things you may have heard about breastfeeding that are actually not true!
Myth #1: My mom wasn't able to breastfeed, so I won't be able to either.
BUSTED! Breastfeeding has NOTHING to do with genetics! Every woman should be able to breastfeed!
Myth #2: Breastfeeding HURTS, and that is normal.BUSTED! Breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt! If you are having pain while breastfeeding, it is probably just a latch issue. This can be easily fixed with help from a lactation consultant or your peer counselor. If you continue to have pain even after fixing the baby's latch, you should call your doctor.
Myth #3: I need to drink lots of milk or water to keep my milk supply up.
BUSTED! Your milk supply is not affected at all by what you eat or drink. Breastfeeding works based on supply and demand, so the only way to increase your milk supply is to breastfeed more!
Myth #3: I need to drink lots of milk or water to keep my milk supply up.BUSTED! Your milk supply is not affected at all by what you eat or drink. Breastfeeding works based on supply and demand, so the only way to increase your milk supply is to breastfeed more!
Myth #4: Formula feeding is WAY more convenient than breastfeeding.
BUSTED! Breastmilk is with you wherever you go! It is always the perfect temperature and the perfect mixture for your baby. You don't have to worry about boiling water, mixing up formula, or bringing all those bottles with you. You are always ready to breastfeed!
Myth #5: If I get sick, I should stop breastfeeding my baby until I feel better.
BUSTED! For almost every illness, it is fine to continue breastfeeding. Your baby will actually benefit from that breastmilk because she will receive all of the antibodies that you make while you are sick. Check with your doctor to be on the safe side.
Myth #6: Breastfeeding will make my breasts ugly!
BUSTED! Any changes that happen to the breast after having a baby are because of the pregnancy itself, and have nothing to do with breastfeeding.
Myth #7: If I smoke, I shouldn't breastfeed.
BUSTED! If you are going to smoke, it is BETTER to breastfeed than to formula feed.
Myth #8: I can't breastfeed if my breasts are small/large/different sizes/etc. BUSTED! It doesn't matter what your breasts look like! Your body will produce the same amount of milk no matter what size your breasts are. BUSTED! Formula is harder for your baby's tummy to digest, so she might not have to eat as often if she eats formula. Breastmilk is digested quickly because it is very easy on your baby's tummy, so she will probably be hungry again faster if she eats breastmilk. This is a good thing! It doesn't mean she is more satisfied with the formula. Breastmilk causes less constipation and upset stomach because it is so easy for babies to digest.
Myth #10: I can't make enough milk for my baby.BUSTED! Most women are able to produce more than enough milk for their babies. Most babies that gain too slowly, or lose weight, do so not because the mother does not have enough milk, but because the baby does not get the milk that the mother has. This usually happens when the baby is poorly latched to the breast, which can be fixed very quickly and easily. If you are having this problem, please call your WIC peer counselor and she will be happy to help you!
-Sarah Robertson, Nutritionist and Breastfeeding Coordiator
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