Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way to feed babies, but there are many myths and misunderstandings about it. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 84% of babies in the United States are breastfed at some point. Despite this high number, many new parents still hear confusing or false information about breastfeeding.
Nicole Jenkins, BSN, RNC-NIC, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant for Neonatal-Perinatal Services at Children's Health℠, is passionate about helping women breastfeed but does not believe in trying to convince a woman to breastfeed.
"I believe that the more information moms have, the better decisions they can make for themselves," Jenkins says.
Jenkins debunks common myths about breastfeeding and provides accurate information to help parents make informed decisions about feeding their babies.
Myth #1: Breastfeeding only benefits babies.
Breastfeeding fact: Breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby.
Breastfeeding helps moms:
- Stop bleeding faster because it helps the uterus contract and go back to its normal size (which means less risk of blood clots and fewer days wearing bulky pads and underwear after delivery)
- Release the "love hormone" oxytocin (which reduces stress and anxiety – and makes you feel calm, relaxed and connected to your baby)
"I tell women three things. First, breastfeeding is going to make you thirsty. Second, it's going to make you sleepy. And third, it's going to give you the best feeling you've ever had," Jenkins says.
Myth #2: Breast milk is just "food" for babies.
Breastfeeding fact: Breast milk is not just energy in the form of calories. It provides many other health benefits for your baby.
The health benefits of breast milk include:
- A stronger immune system (Breastfed babies get sick less often)
- A lower risk of diabetes and childhood obesity
- A lower risk of diarrhea and digestive problems
- A lower risk of asthma, allergies and eczema
- A lower risk of ear infections
- A reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Myth #3: If you breastfeed, you have to eat a boring, bland, restricted diet.
Breastfeeding fact: The more flavors you eat, the more flavors your baby will experience. That can make it easier to introduce solid, complementary foods when your baby is 6 months old.
Are there any foods to restrict or avoid when breastfeeding?
Jenkins tells women that they can eat and drink anything while breastfeeding – except alcohol or too much caffeine.
Can you eat spicy foods when you're breastfeeding?
Yes!
"I tell my moms that they can absolutely eat spicy foods. If you eat spicy foods regularly and your baby is definitely going to have them when they get older, it's great to introduce them now, through your breast milk," says Jenkins.
Myth #4: Giving your baby pumped milk is not as good as directly breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding fact: Breast milk is good any way it gets to your baby.
Sure, direct breastfeeding gives you the amazing benefits of skin-to-skin contact. But bottle feeding your baby breast milk is also great and you can bottle feed skin to skin. It's especially great for moms who need to quickly return to work – because it means other people can help feed your baby.
See our guide for safely storing breast milk.
Myth #5: Formula and breast milk are equal.
Breastfeeding fact: Breast milk has the amazing ability to change to meet your baby's needs like protect them from illness. Formula is not able to do that.
Breast milk contains many substances that help prevent infections. It also changes in composition as your baby ages. For example, breast milk starts as colostrum (the special milk the body makes for the first few days of a baby's life) and then transitions to mature milk.
Myth #6: Breastfeeding is supposed to hurt.
Breastfeeding fact: If you get the appropriate support, breastfeeding does not have to hurt. It's very possible to avoid cracked, bloody nipples. And mastitis – inflamed or infected breast tissue – is a lot less common than many people think.
"I tell all my moms, 'If it's hurting, I need to know right away so we can fix it,'" Jenkins says.
How common is mastitis?
A blocked milk duct is much more common than mastitis. And blocked milk ducts are often easily remedied with heat, ice and massage.
"People think mastitis is quite common but it's not. If your flange (the plastic or silicone piece that fits over your nipple) fits well and you have a good pumping plan and you're emptying your breasts well, mastitis shouldn't happen," Jenkins says.
Myth #7: You need to breastfeed for a certain amount of time.
Breastfeeding fact: National and global health organizations have different recommendations about how long is best to breastfeed, varying from 6 months to 2 years.
"The recommendation I like to give moms is six months of only breastfeeding – and then however long it benefits you and your baby," Jenkins says.
Myth #8: You should not breastfeed your baby if you're sick.
Breastfeeding fact: Breastfeeding is actually the best thing to do while you're sick because breast milk provides passive immunity to your baby by giving them the antibodies to whatever you're sick from. The antibodies you make – passed from you to your baby through breast milk – are the best way to protect your baby from getting what you have.
"Building up antibodies any way you can is great for babies. Even when moms have to take their babies to daycare when their babies are still very young, I tell them to 'hug all the people' at the daycare. This helps the mom build up antibodies that she can pass them along to her baby," Jenkins says.
Myth #9: Many women struggle to make enough milk to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding fact: Most moms can provide their babies with plenty of breast milk. Of course, there are exceptions including poor latch issues if a baby has tongue-tie. But if you eat, drink and sleep enough, that self-care can go a long way to set you up to successfully breastfeed.
"Stress can greatly impact a woman's milk supply so practicing good self-care is very important. There are also many other strategies to help increase milk supply," Jenkins says.
See tips on how to increase your milk supply.
Myth #10: Breastfeeding will ruin the appearance of your breasts.
Breastfeeding fact: There's no way to grow a child and have your body be the same afterwards.
Research shows that it takes a full 18 months for your body to heal after having a child. Genes largely determine how quickly you'll bounce back after a baby – so don't use celebrities as a role model.
Myth #11: Bottle feeding is easier than breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding fact: Breastfeeding is easier than bottle feeding – especially after the first two weeks.
Bottle feeding may seem easier right after birth because it can take a while to get the hang of breastfeeding. But soon after, breastfeeding becomes easier – no bottles to clean, your milk is already at the perfect temperature and you always have it with you.
Get support for breastfeeding
Jenkins believes that she has a job because many women in our culture don't grow up watching and learning about breastfeeding – and there is a lot of judgment, opinions and misinformation floating around on the internet and social media. So many women need the support from an expert.
Learn more
The Neonatal-Perinatal experts at Children's Health provide comprehensive care for a wide variety of neonatal conditions and are dedicated to improving outcomes for the tiniest of patients. Learn more about our top-ranking Neonatology program.
Our lactation support services and pediatric milk lab includes Lactation Consultants, Registered Dietitians and Speech Therapists – all dedicated to supporting you and your baby's growth, health and well-being.
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