10 Unfounded Breastfeeding Myths - Learn The Truth About Nursing!

Don’t believe these unfounded breastfeeding myths and continue giving your baby breast milk!

1. Breastfeeding really hurts and it’s normal.

Breastfeeding may be uncomfortable but it should not hurt. If some tenderness is felt, it is only temporary and should only last for a few days or until the mother gets the hang of breastfeeding. If giving breast milk to your baby involves a lot of pain, you may be suffering from an infection. Talk to a lactation consultant who might be able to quickly diagnose and fix the problem for you.

2. A breastfed baby requires extra water especially with the warm weather in Singapore.

Breast milk contains more than 87% water so extra water isn’t needed. Offer your baby more breast milk on hot days. You really don't need to supplement breast milk with anything for the first six months.

3. Breastfeeding with inverted nipples is impossible.

Inverted nipples can be corrected even before your baby is born. In addition, a breast pump or a nipple puller (its not as painful as it sounds) can be used to make breastfeeding easier.

4. Moms taking medication can’t breastfeed.

While it’s true that some medications shouldn't be taken by a breastfeeding mom as it could pass into her breastmilk, this can easily be remedied in some cases by simply changing the medicine. This is one of the breastfeeding myths that many mothers believe in. The best thing is for mothers to tell their doctor that they are breastfeeding and ask for the safest option available.

5. Formula milk is the same as breast milk.

Among all the many breastfeeding myths, this is the one that’s most debated. But no formula can ever surpass or equal breast milk with its complex makeup of nutrients that are perfectly suited for baby. Formulas don’t have antibodies, enzymes or living cells that make babies’ immune system strong.

6. Some women don’t produce enough milk.

This is one of the most popular breastfeeding myths and mothers who are having early problems with breastfeeding are easily led to believing it. As a fact, women produce more than enough milk for their babies. You do need to know how to properly latch your baby on and how to correct an improper latch. Even if your supply falls with a proper latch, you can always try power pumping with a breast pump to boost your production. Your body can provide enough milk, it just might need a little help.

7. Breastfeeding ties the mother down.

Breastfeeding is actually a lot less hassle than formula feeding. There’s no need to lug around baby bottles, milk formula and water. Nothing needs to be sterilised. Anytime and anywhere, your baby can be breastfed. If you are going back to work or will be away from your baby for a period of time, you can pump in advance and store your breastmilk.

8. A breastfeeding mother won’t know if her baby had enough milk.

Because a marked feeding bottle isn’t used doesn’t mean that a mother won't know if her baby had enough breast milk. As long your breastfed baby is consistently peeing and pooing and steadily gaining weight, your baby is getting enough milk.

9. “I have small breasts, I cannot breastfeed.”

Breast size doesn’t have any relation to your ability to breastfeed. Some women with small breast produce more milk than others with larger breasts. Milk production and breast size are totally unrelated. One has nothing to do with the other.

10. Breastfeeding women need to eat a lot to keep producing milk.

Diets are not allowed when breastfeeding and overeating isn’t recommended. Breastfeeding mothers just need to maintain a balanced diet and listen to their bodies. On average you need 300-500 calories per day above what was needed to maintain your pre-pregnancy weight. You don't usually need to count calories unless you're having a particular problem. As for fluids, don't force yourself to drink. Listen to the signals from your body and drink to satisfy your thirst. As your schedule might be a little off in the early days, fill at least two liter bottles with water and you will know that you've at least drunk that amount each day.