Debunking 13 Common Breastfeeding Myths

Nov 16, 2023

Ask 10 different women about breastfeeding, and you’ll get 10 different answers. Some swear by it, but others want nothing to do with it.

There are a lot of myths surrounding breastfeeding, and many of them, by design, make it seem harder or easier than it actually is. But it's time to debunk those and discuss the good, the bad, and the misinformed about breastfeeding.

Despite what Instagram shows or what your mom tells you, breastfeeding isn't always an instantaneous, magical bond between you and baby. You may experience difficulties at first, but this is completely natural. It's hard! Making sure your latch is strong and baby is nursing frequently during the first few weeks helps acclimate both of you to the experience. Sticking with breastfeeding helps you find your groove. Consistency is key to building your supply and helping baby gain weight, and with time, you’ll find what works for you.

Breastfeeding primarily exists to feed and nourish babies, yes, but it has additional physiological benefits you might not be aware of. In a study comparing bottle-fed babies to breastfed babies, the bottle-fed ones showed an increased likelihood of breathing orally rather than nasally. The posture of breastfeeding helps consistently encourage nasal breathing rather than oral breathing, which can help decrease the risk of SIDS.

Furthermore, breastfeeding greatly benefits the baby's jaw development, as they have to use more muscles in their jaw and tongue to breastfeed than they do to bottle feed. This can even affect their facial muscles and potentially whether or not they’ll need braces later in life.

Because nipple stimulation releases oxytocin, or the love hormone – the same hormone released during sex – arousal might be experienced during breastfeeding. Not every woman experiences this, but about 50% do. This in no way means that you’re getting turned on by your child, but it means that the same hormones you feel during arousal are being released as your close bond grows with your baby. There isn't anything nefarious behind this. Context is crucial here, and it doesn't mean there's anything fetishistic or sexual about breastfeeding, as some would believe. All it means is that biologically and physiologically, your body is functioning as it should.

Many mothers who haven't had great breastfeeding experiences might choose to pump exclusively, and this might be the route for you. Be aware, though, that exclusively pumping is a big time commitment – not only do you have to pump almost around the clock for baby, but you still have to feed them! Plus, you have to maintain your calorie intake and make sure you get plenty of rest to maintain your milk supply. There are also a lot of accessories that come with pumping in general, and keeping your pump parts, equipment, bottles, and other necessities clean is crucial, and that maintenance adds additional time to your routine. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to find affordable pumps through insurance or gently used ones for resale in neighborhood or mom groups.

Breastfeeding is about milk supply, not the size of the breasts.

Let's thoroughly clear this myth up: The size of your breasts, as well as the position and shape of your nipples, should have no influence on whether or not you’re able to breastfeed. A different nipple shape and size may affect how or what position you use to breastfeed, but it's important to remember that breastfeeding is about milk supply, not the size of the breasts. Your breasts, however small, can grow to accommodate a milk supply that's more than adequate for feeding your baby just as much as larger breasts can.

Breastfeeding, compared to the expense of formula-feeding, is often advertised as "free," but this isn't completely true. Breastfeeding often has hidden costs we don't think about, like the time commitment it requires. You might also be paying for additional food and snacks to keep up your calorie intake, as well as lactation consultants, nursing covers and pillows, pumps, and nursing-friendly clothing.

This is a common misconception about breastfeeding because it seemingly makes sense. If your breasts are full, nursing your baby empties them, right? Typically, babies nurse only until their stomachs are full, not until the breast is completely empty. This means that after a nursing session, your breasts could have additional milk in them, which you can pump, save, and store for later.

Another myth surrounding breastfeeding is that you will have to wean your breastfed baby if you get pregnant again (yes, it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding – two myths busted here!)

Some moms may have heard that the hormone oxytocin, which is released while breastfeeding, can trigger early or preterm labor by producing uterine contractions. The concern here is that the continuous release of this hormone could lead to inducing labor prematurely. The amount of oxytocin that's released during nursing is so minimal that this typically doesn't affect a pregnancy. It might be a concern if you have a high-risk pregnancy, but for the most part, moms can continue to nurse throughout pregnancy safely, and even tandem nurse with their older child when the baby arrives.

Many moms have probably been told not to give their little one a pacifier or a bottle, so as not to induce nipple confusion. By definition, this occurs when a baby prefers to breastfeed over taking a bottle, or even prefers to take a bottle over breastfeeding. Nipple confusion doesn't affect every baby though, and if you’re on the fence about introducing a bottle or a pacifier for comfort, don't let this scare you. Make sure your baby's latch is strong and that you’re breastfeeding regularly before giving those options, and your nursing routine should be fine.

If you’re experiencing a shift in hormones, like getting your period back or beginning to nurse less frequently, you’ll probably experience a drop in your milk supply. This can be frustrating at first, but because breastmilk operates on the concept of supply and demand, it's entirely natural. If your milk supply is low, you may find you have to supplement your breastmilk with formula to make sure your baby is getting fed and full.

This doesn't mean your breastfeeding journey is completely over, and it absolutely does not mean you’re a failure as a mother.

Take heart. This doesn't mean your breastfeeding journey is completely over, and it absolutely does not mean you’re a failure as a mother. Especially if you’re a new mom or inexperienced with breastfeeding, you shouldn't feel that you or your baby is at a disadvantage. If you’re returning to work or weaning from breastmilk, that's your choice – but if you want to keep breastfeeding, try getting your supply up and supplementing as needed. What matters is that you feel good (too much stress can affect both your supply and the quality of your milk) and that baby is fed and happy.

If you get hit with a stomach bug or the flu, the last thing you’ll probably feel like doing is breastfeeding. But one of the incredible things about breastfeeding is that your illness won't pass to your baby through your milk. In fact, breast milk, even when it's produced while you’re sick, is full of immunity-boosting antibodies that your body designs specifically to protect your baby. Get plenty of rest, make sure your fluid intake is solid, and feel free to keep nursing.

There's no need to pump ounces of breastmilk after drinking alcohol only to pour it down the drain. That's liquid gold right there! By now, we know how much alcohol passes through milk, and most of it, especially if you’ve only had one to two drinks, isn't significant enough to make an impact.

A good rule of thumb is to wait one hour to breastfeed per number of drinks you’ve had. One drink, wait one hour. Additionally, if you’re good to drive home, then you’re probably good to breastfeed. However, if you’re still hesitant about nursing after drinking, you can always pump and store the milk for another purpose, like giving your baby a skin-nourishing milk bath, or making a rich, beneficial breast milk facial for yourself. You still get the benefits but without getting rid of your milk. Win-win!

You might start introducing solids or other foods to your baby after six months of age, but your baby still needs your milk! As babies age, especially before their first birthday, they need an increase in calories, and breast milk in addition to food can help them put on the pounds. Breast milk provides immune-building benefits as well as nutritional value that can't be found in solid food. Not only that, but your baby still might need the comfort and security they feel from you while breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is exhausting and time-consuming, but it's also a daily miracle. Consider that not only did your body grow another person for nine months, but that very body is now sustaining an entire person in an entirely different way.

Breastfeeding requires proper nutrition, hydration, and patience to do, but it also requires knowledge. The better armed we are with all the information about the amazing capabilities our bodies have, the better prepared we are to take on a monumental task such as this one.

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