7 Breastfeeding Myths That Just Aren't True
It’s normal to have nipple pain when breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding should never be painful. This is one of the biggest breastfeeding myths we see. Many mothers do report feeling discomfort and/or tenderness, usually peaking on day 3 postpartum. The discomfort should subside after the first 30-60 seconds of each feeding, and that initial discomfort is expected to last no longer than 2-3 weeks postpartum.
What causes nipple pain?
Many of us experience pain when breastfeeding and there is certainly no denying that! The breastfeeding myth is in the suggestion that it is normal.
Persistent nipple pain when breastfeeding generally indicates a problem with the baby’s latch at the breast. Sometimes the fix is as simple as changing the position or relieving engorgement for a deeper latch. In other situations, muscle tone, tethered oral tissues, genetic or anatomical differences and variations in the infant, or an anatomical variation in the mother can cause and contribute to nipple pain.
Any pinching or pain that lasts longer than those first initial seconds or for longer than 2-3 weeks , misshapen nipples, bruising, severe cracking or bleeding can be an indication that something is not quite right. Oftentimes it is a simple fix, like a position change or showing a mother how to look for a baby to open really wide. Other times it is something that takes a little more work. If you are experiencing pain, please reach out for help early; it can usually be fixed and there is no need to push through.
You don't make any milk at first, you have to wait for it to come in.
Another common Breastfeeding myth - thinking milk isn't there until after delivery. Your body starts making Colostrum, which will be your baby’s first milk, around 16 weeks into pregnancy. As the end of pregnancy nears, some mothers report leaking, and others do not. Leaking or not leaking during pregnancy is not any kind of indicator of how your breastfeeding journey will go. Since you already have milk that is perfect for your newborns’ needs, it will not “come in.”
You can expect your milk to transition from Colostrum to more Mature Milk, between 3-5 days postpartum. While there is a transition period, your body is making the milk your newborn needs the first few days. Frequent feeding during those first days is normal, to fill the baby's tummy and to tell your body to send that mature milk. If you are worried that your baby may not be getting enough, please reach out to a lactation professional for support.
You have to use cradle hold, it’s the "right" way.
Definitely not! There is no right or wrong position to feed your baby, as long as you are both comfortable. Try many positions or stick with one, whatever feels best to you!
Breastfeeding requires a certain diet.
For the most part, the only diet breastfeeding requires is actually eating. Eat if you are hungry, and don't skip meals. Breastfeeding uses approximately 300-500 calories, and your body needs that fuel! There are no foods you need to avoid, unless you find your baby is sensitive. Some moms report that certain foods or galactagogues help their milk supply, but the research tells us that not all mothers respond in the same way. And it is always important to determine the root cause of any potential or perceived low supply before taking action. Regarding herbs or supplements, please consult with a lactation professional and speak with your Dr. before starting anything new.
What you express when pumping, is all the milk you make.
Breast pumps are amazing tools that allow parents to give their baby(s) breast milk, if they are away from them or struggle with or even choose not to latch them. But ultimately pumps are not a baby, and they don't always remove milk like a baby. The amount of milk a mom can pump is not necessarily an accurate indicator of her supply. Some mamas don't respond well to pumps, and that doesn't mean they won't be able to make plenty of milk for their baby. There are some ways that you optimize your pumping: proper flange fit, customized settings, and hands on pumping can all help remove milk efficiently. You can tell if your baby is getting enough milk from you by watching for a good amount of wet and dirty diapers, their weight gain and growth, and their cues. If you are worried that your baby isn't getting enough milk, please reach out for help. Every journey is different and with the help of a lactation support professional, you can reach your breastfeeding goals.
My mom, sister, or cousin struggled with breastfeeding, so I will too Breastfeeding success isn't genetic. Just like pregnancy, your experiences will probably all be different! Birth stories, support, a baby's personality, confidence levels, life situations....so many things can factor into a breastfeeding journey. So please don't think just because someone close to you struggled, means that you will. A small number of moms’ breastfeeding struggles are related to genetics, and if issues arise, they can be addressed, and a plan can be made to meet whatever breastfeeding goals that mom has.
Your baby is eating frequently because your milk isn't filling enough.
Have you ever been told that your baby is always hungry because you don’t have enough milk? That idea is another breastfeeding myth! While it’s true that some cannot produce enough milk, this is actually quite rare.
Why is my baby eating so often?
Breastmilk is very easily digested. It is as close to perfect for your baby as you can get but this also means that your baby needs to eat more often. It’s not uncommon at all for babies who are receiving breastmilk to need to eat every 2-3 hours. Babies also want to nurse often for comfort. They may cluster feed during growth spurts and developmental leaps, during sickness, when frightened or when in a new place, or when teething.
How do you know it’s normal and not an issue with supply?
Count diapers! In the first few days, your baby should have at least one wet and one soiled diaper per day of life. By day 4, stool should transition from dark meconium to a yellowish color that may be seedy. Once your milk has come in, your baby should have several wet diapers each day and should stool regularly through the first weeks of life. After 4-6 weeks, your baby may have fewer stools but should continue to have 5-6+ wet diapers each day. In addition to having enough wet and dirty diapers, your baby should be maintaining their growth curve.
What if you suspect a low supply?
See a lactation consultant right away! Supplementation with formula or donor milk may be necessary but with good guidance and support, many low supply issues can be solved. If your supply cannot be increased, a lactation consultant can still be of great help. Any amount of breastmilk you can provide is beneficial, and latching and nursing at the breast (whether with a full supply or with the aid of an at the breast supplementer) is still excellent for orofacial development.