“Breast is best”! If you’ve had a baby, you’ve probably heard this before. And I can’t help but to agree. Breastfeeding has so many benefits for both mom and baby, so I always make a point to encourage pregnant women and moms of newborns I come across to go all in and give it a try. Even with all of the benefits, though, some women are still hesitant. So, I want to talk about some of those myths and excuses, and encourage all the pregnant and new moms out there: yes, you can breastfeed! Overcoming common myths about breastfeeding is so important to ensure success.
(I’ll preface this by saying that I know breastfeeding isn’t always easy. It just doesn’t work out for some mom/baby pairs for various reasons. In some cases, it’s actually medically recommended that you don’t breastfeed. But, in a lot of cases, I find that moms are just doubting themselves. And I’m here to address some of the myths out there for those moms who may be on the fence. I’m not here to offend anyone!)
Myth #1: You can’t work and breastfeed
Now, I know that in some careers, it may be very difficult or downright impossible to continue to breastfeed or pump while working. I don’t knock you if it just isn’t possible. But, I’ve heard many women mention this as the reason they won’t even consider or start out breastfeeding.
I’ve breastfed 5 babies – all at different, busy stages of my life. One, while I was nearing the end of undergrad and starting medical school. Another during my 4th year of medical school. My 3rd while working 30-hour calls in my Pediatric Residency. And 2 while working in private practice as a Pediatrician. It definitely wasn’t easy to do. But if you’re committed to it and really want it to work, it can. You just have to be prepared and have the right products to make breastfeeding and pumping a little easier.
You may feel like your job is too busy for you to be able pump. If that’s the case, talk to your employer and see what you can work out. In my case, I had pumping built into my work schedule, and a few less patients per day to accommodate that. Keep in mind, that there are breastfeeding laws out there to protect moms who need to pump at work.
Myth #2: You have to commit to breastfeeding for a whole year
I get it. Breastfeeding can make you feel like your breasts are no longer yours. (Your husband may actually be upset about this too!). Add to this the fact that you’ve already lost possession of your body for 9 months during pregnancy! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continuing breastfeeding along with other foods up to a year. But, honestly, any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial for your little one. Breastfeeding also gets easier, less time-consuming, and less frequent as your baby gets older. It feels like much less of a commitment with time. So, stick to it for as long as you can – but 6 months to a year would be ideal!
Myth #3: Breastfeeding takes too much time
Sometimes, it might take a little longer to breastfeed than it does to give a bottle to your baby. But, not always. And when you include the time it takes to prepare a bottle, warm it, and to clean up afterwards, the time to bottle-feed vs breast feed can be pretty similar. With breastfeeding, you really don’t have to worry about preparation. That makes middle-of-the-night feedings a whole lot easier. There’s no prepping, warming, or cleaning-up to worry about when you’re exhausted.
Myth #4: Breastfeeding takes away your freedom
This may be just me, but I loved the fact that breastfeeding was the one thing I could do for my baby that no one else could. Feeding the baby was ultimately my responsibility (whether directly at the breast, or providing the milk in a bottle). This made me the one person my babies looked to for comfort. But, pumping also helps you to detach when you need to. Your baby doesn’t have to be on your breast 100% of the time.
If you’re worried about your husband being able to bond with the baby, there are other things that he can do. He can bottle-feed breast milk whenever you pump. He can also soothe, bathe, change, and read to the baby. Your husband can still play an active role in your baby’s care, but you get the perk of being your baby’s ultimate source of nutrition. You can truly continue to grow that little human that you were already growing inside of you!
Myth #5: You can’t make enough breast milk for your baby
You don’t know unless you try! Most women WILL produce enough milk for their baby. As your baby grows, your body naturally adjusts, and makes more milk. Of course, there are times when your baby may demand more than you can supply. There are foods and natural supplements that you can take to increase your supply. It’s also important to feed your baby often, whenever they’re hungry, and to pump whenever your baby is getting a bottle. If your baby is growing and gaining weight normally, you’re producing enough milk. Your Pediatrician can let you know!
Myth #6: Premature babies need more calories than breast milk can provide
Now, yes, this is true for most premies. But, this is EXACTLY when your baby really needs to breastfeed! Breast milk is filled with antibodies that are important for your baby’s immune system. This is so important for premature babies, whose immune systems are more immature than a full-term baby. Breast milk is also easier on the stomach, and is easier for premature babies to digest than formula. If your baby needs extra calories or vitamins as a premie, there are ways to fortify your breast milk, so it’s a win-win.
Myth #7: Breastfeeding hurts
I’ll be totally honest. Each time I had a new baby and started to breastfeed, I had some discomfort. Even with a good latch, checked by the lactation consultant, I had some pain for a little while. Eventually, the discomfort settled down. But, breastfeeding really shouldn’t be painful. If it is after the first week, you likely need some help from a lactation consultant to make sure that there aren’t any issues with your breast, your baby’s mouth, or your technique. Check out the different types of consults I offer here.
Myth #8: Small breasts can’t breastfeed
This one is not true at all! Breast size doesn’t always dictate milk supply. Small breasts can still produce a lot of milk! Unfortunately, breast reduction surgeries can cause a decreased milk supply, because the reduction takes away milk ducts. And if you truly have “insufficient glandular tissue” (not enough milk ducts), then you likely won’t have the means to produce enough for your baby. But, it still doesn’t mean breastfeeding isn’t worth a try. You’d just really have to watch your milk production and baby’s weight gain.
Myth #9: It’s shameful or against the law to breastfeed in public
Breastfeeding in public is legal in all 50 states in the US. Honestly, after you go through the delivery process and everything’s exposed, you kinda lose all modesty! I admit that with my first few kids, I was hesitant to breastfeed in public. But, with each baby, I got more comfortable with it. With multiple kids, and running around to all of their activities, I had no choice but to breastfeed on the go. Honestly, it was also a lot easier because I didn’t have to tote around bottles or a cooler, or worry about how I was going to warm milk.
Use a nursing cover if you have to. If you’re worried what others around you have to say – don’t be! I’m sure they prefer a quiet, fed baby over a screaming, hungry one! Breastfeeding in public is getting more and more popular, now that more people are realizing that’s what the breasts are there for!
Myth #10: You can’t breastfeed if you’re taking prescription medications
Most medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. I recommend checking with your OB/GYN or Pediatrician beforehand, though, just to be sure. Please ask before making the assumption that you just can’t breastfeed because of your regular daily meds.
I hope I’ve helped you with overcoming common myths about breastfeeding. And I hope you’re encouraged to start or continue breastfeeding your little one.
Do you have any other tips for overcoming common myths about breastfeeding? I’d love to hear them. Just leave them in the comments below!
Looking for more help?
If you’re experiencing any breastfeeding issues – if you just want to make sure you’re doing things right – I’d be happy to help. Take a peek at the different types of breastfeeding consultations I offer, and request an appointment when you’re ready. I’m here for you and all your breastfeeding needs!
The post originally appeared on Wifey Mommy Doc, a blog focused on helping working wives and moms find balance in their many roles.
Overcoming Common Myths About Breastfeeding
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