Breastfeeding myths

There are a huge number of breastfeeding myths and old wives’ tales and it can be difficult to determine what’s right and what’s not. The following article will explore some of the more common myths about breastfeeding.

Myth: Breastfeeding mothers cannot feed after X-rays

Fact: This is not true; X-rays do not affect the quality or quantity of the mother’s breast milk and breastfeeding mothers can continue feeding as normal after an X-ray. You can also continue as normal if you have had a mammogram; the results of the test may be harder for the doctors to decipher but the mammogram will not affect the milk in any way. Thyroid scans using I131 should be avoided during pregnancy; your doctor will recommend having a different type of test if you need investigations on your thyroid gland.

Myth: The supply of milk can dry up all of a sudden

Fact: This is extremely rare; in most cases, the supply of breast milk may decrease but it will not completely dry up. Common reasons for a decreased supply include:

When the baby has a growth spurt and they start to feed more you may feel that you are not producing enough milk; however, after a few days, the supply will catch up with the demand so don’t panic and don’t give up.
A change in the baby’s behaviour and sleeping habits may affect the way they feed.
Changes in the breasts; after a few weeks, a woman’s breasts may change; they may appear less full. Changes in the breasts are completely normal.

Myth: Most women do not produce enough milk

Fact: This is not true in the vast majority of cases. It is much more common for women to produce more milk than necessary rather than not producing enough milk. If you are having problems with breastfeeding this is probably because the baby is not properly attached to the breast.

Myth: Milk supply is very low for the first few days of breastfeeding

Fact: Milk supply is lower during the first few days because the body works on a supply and demand basis, so as the baby feeds more, the body produces more milk. However, there will be enough milk for the baby to feed effectively and the supply will increase very quickly. If you are having problems feeding, this is very common so try not to panic; take time to practice holding your baby in the feeding position and ensure they are properly attached to your breast.

Myth: Babies should feed for 20 minutes on each breast

Fact: Every baby is different and some babies may feed for a long time on one breast and then not want any milk from the other breast. You will soon get used to your baby’s feeding habits; do not feel that you need to regulate the amount of time your baby spends latched onto each breast; just do what your baby wants as they will feed as and when they need.

Myth: Breastfeeding mothers should not feed if they have had immunisations

Fact: This is not true; you can continue to breastfeed your baby if you have had an immunisation. If your baby has a birth defect or congenital condition, which means that their immune system is compromised you may have to stop feeding them if you have had a vaccination which contains a live virus (such as polio and measles, mumps and rubella); if you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.

Myth: Breast-fed babies need to drink water when it is hot outside

Fact: This is not true; breast milk contains all the water necessary to keep your baby hydrated in warm weather. You may notice that your baby drinks a little more than usual if it is warm outside. Bottle-fed babies should be given water throughout the day if it is warm; this will prevent them from becoming dehydrated.

Myth: Breastfeeding is painful

Fact: Initially, it is completely normal for breastfeeding to be a little uncomfortable; however, it should not be painful and if pain persists for a number of days, you should talk to your health visitor or GP. Pain is usually associated with the baby not being latched onto the breast properly.

Myth: Breast-fed babies need additional iron

Fact: This is not true; breast milk contains enough iron for babies until the age of six months. Formula milk tends to contain more iron than necessary.

Myth: Breast-fed babies need additional vitamin D

Fact: Breast milk contains all the necessary minerals, vitamins and nutrients a small baby needs. Breast milk contains a small quantity of vitamin D and the baby has a large quantity of vitamin D in the liver when they are born. If the mother has a vitamin D deficiency during her pregnancy, it may be advisable to give the baby supplements but otherwise they should be fine.

Myth: Bottle feeding is easier than breastfeeding

Fact: Breastfeeding is actually easier in many respects and much less hassle; breastfeeding eliminates the need for making up bottles and is also free. Formula milk can be very expensive. Breastfeeding should be easy if the mother is given the help and support they need; antenatal classes can help to teach expectant mums about breastfeeding and you can always ask your midwife or health visitor for help or advice if you are struggling.

Myth: Formula milk is as beneficial for babies as breast milk

Fact: This is not true, despite considerable advances in the development of formula powders. Breast milk contains all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals a baby needs and is specifically designed by the body to give babies the best possible start in life. Numerous studies have found that breast milk is the best possible source of nutrition for newborn babies and experts recommend that babies are breast-fed for at least six months. Formula milk does not contain the antibodies and hormones present in breast milk so the baby is not getting all the benefits they get from being breast-fed.

Myth: You cannot breastfeed if you are ill

Fact: This is not true; if you are ill, the best thing to do is soldier on and continue breastfeeding. The infection or illness will already have been incubated in the body for a period of time before physical symptoms start to become noticeable so your baby will already have been exposed to be source of the infection. Breast milk contains important antibodies, which help to fight off harmful bacteria and infections and illnesses. If you stop feeding while you are ill, your milk supply will decrease as the body works on a supply and demand basis. If you feel really poorly and you can’t face breastfeeding, express some milk and ask somebody else to bottle-feed your baby.

Myth: You should stop breastfeeding your baby if they are ill

Fact: The best possible way to help your baby if they are ill is to continue feeding them; breast milk contains essential vitamins, nutrients and antibodies, which help to boost the body’s immune system.

Myth: It is not safe to breastfeed if you are taking medication

Fact: In the vast majority of cases, it is perfectly safe to continue feeding while you are taking medication; there are very few medications which will prevent you from breastfeeding. If you have any concerns or questions about taking medication while you are breastfeeding, ask your GP or health visitor for advice.

Myth: You need to eat more if you are breastfeeding

Fact: You should not have to make any alterations to your normal calorie intake if you are breastfeeding; some people may find that eat slightly more than usual but you do not need to consume more calories than usual.

Myth: It is not safe to drink alcohol when breastfeeding

Fact: It is perfectly safe to drink in moderation if you are breastfeeding; a glass of wine in the evening is not going to have any negative effects on your baby. However, it is not advisable to drink heavily while you are breastfeeding.

Myth: You shouldn’t breastfeed if you smoke

Fact: Smoking can be harmful for babies and it is very dangerous to smoke during pregnancy; however, if you really can’t kick the habit, it is best to breastfeed your baby, as the milk is rich in nutrients and has a range of health benefits. Breast milk can help to reverse some of the harmful effects of smoking.

Myth: Breastfeeding mothers should be very careful about what they want

Fact: This is partly true; it is very important for breastfeeding mothers to eat a healthy and balanced diet; however, it is not necessary for mothers to go out of their way to ensure they only eat healthy foods; the occasional treat will not do any harm.

Myth: Breast-fed babies are clingy

Fact: This is not true; breast-fed babies do tend to be a little more dependent when they are very small, as they appreciate the closeness to their mother but they should grow to be independent and sociable just like bottle-fed babies.

Myth: Breastfeeding makes your boobs saggy

Fact: This is not true, although many women would like it to be so they have something to blame. Sagginess is caused by ageing and gravity and is often dependent on genetics.

Myth: You should drink more fluid if you are breastfeeding

Fact: You do not need to take in any extra fluids if you are breastfeeding but you should ensure that you are getting enough fluid; if you are used to drinking very little during the day, you may need to increase the amount you drink so that you don’t get dehydrated. Everyone should aim to drink around 2 litres of water per day.

Myth: Women who have had cosmetic surgery cannot breastfeed

Fact: The majority of women who have breast augmentation surgery are able to breastfeed very effectively. Some women may have problems with their supply of milk if they have a certain type of procedure.

Myth: Premature babies should be bottle-fed

Fact: Premature babies may take a little longer to get used to breastfeeding than full-term babies; however, it is much more beneficial for premature babies to be breast-fed because the milk contains all the essential nutrients the baby needs to develop and grow.

Myth: If you have small breasts you will not produce as much milk as a woman with larger breasts

Fact: The amount of milk you produce is nothing to do with the size of your breasts; women of all shapes and sizes will produce enough milk to satisfy their baby’s appetite.

Myth: Babies with a cleft-lip cannot breastfeed

Fact: This is not the case; many babies who are born with a cleft lip or palate are able to breastfeed very effectively.

Myth: If you are breastfeeding you cannot take the contraceptive pill

Fact: You can take the contraceptive pill if you are breastfeeding; the baby is exposed to the hormones present in the pill anyway. However, you may find that taking the contraceptive pill will decrease your milk supply but you will usually still supply enough milk.

Myth: Babies need additional types of milk after the age of 6 months

Fact: Babies do not need additional milk when they reach the age of 6 months; however, you should start to introduce solid foods from this age. Start with pureed fruits and vegetables and gradually increase the variety of foods you offer your baby. You can continue to breastfeed your baby for as long as you want.

Myth: It is impossible to breastfeed twins

Fact: Although it may take a little time to get used to feeding twins, it is definitely possible and it is actually easier than bottle-feeding twins. You may find that your twins feed at different times or they may feed at the same time; you will soon get used to their feeding patterns and this will help you to adapt to their individual needs.

Myth: Breastfeeding restricts the mother’s freedom

Fact: This is not true; attitudes to breastfeeding in public are becoming increasingly favourable and a number of high street shops and restaurants are making efforts to improve facilities for breastfeeding mothers. If you are breastfeeding and you don’t feel comfortable feeding your baby in public, you can also express your milk and bottle feed your baby.

Myth: If you have had surgery you cannot breastfeed

Fact: You can breastfeed your baby after surgery; this will not have any negative effect on the baby at all. If you don’t feel up to breastfeeding (this is perfectly understandable after an operation), you can express your milk and ask somebody else to feed them using a bottle.

Myth: You should not breastfeed if you have just exercised

Fact: This is nonsense; it is perfectly safe to breastfeed after you have exercised.

Myth: You cannot get pregnant when you are breastfeeding

Fact: This isn’t true as many women will have found out in the past! Breastfeeding can delay ovulation after you have your baby but it will not act as a contraceptive measure.

Myth: Your mood can affect the quality of your milk

Fact: This is not true; your mood has no impact on the quality of your milk. If you seem upset or stressed, your baby may pick up on this because they sense changes in their environment, not because there is a difference in the taste of your milk.