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Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to feed your baby, considering the nutrients, antibodies, and comfort provided to your child. There are a lot of myths, such as small breasts are less capable of producing milk or frequent feedings will spoil the baby, that confuse new mothers, and can even prohibit mothers from breastfeeding.
This blog will help you separate fact from fiction, outline the truths around common breastfeeding misconceptions, identify the benefits of breastfeeding, and outline how to continue even if going back to work. Knowing these facts helps new mothers feed their babies with confidence, nourish the healthy growth of their babies, and stimulate a parent-child attachment to promote healthy development and long-term health.
If you’re seeking expert guidance on breastfeeding, maternal health, or postnatal care, book a consultation with our gynaecology specialists today.
Common Breastfeeding Myths
Breastfeeding is surrounded by many myths, which can add to the confusion for new mothers. It is common for new mothers to be confused about many things while breastfeeding, including, in general, small breasts produce less milk, feeding with formula is always better, and feeding frequently spoils the baby. Below are a few common breastfeeding myths:
Myth 1: Women with smaller breasts cannot produce enough milk.
Many women believe they aren't able to produce enough milk because they have small breasts; this is not true. The size of a woman's breasts is made up of fatty tissue, not milk-producing tissue. The amount of milk that a mother is able to produce relies on the frequency and effectiveness of feeding the baby.
Symptom: Some mothers may feel their breasts are “small” or “empty” and worry their baby isn’t getting enough milk. Signs of adequate milk supply include: baby gaining weight appropriately, frequent wet diapers (6–8 per day), and baby appearing satisfied after feeds.
Myth 2: Formula is always better than breast milk
Some parents believe that formula feeding is superior to breastfeeding; however, breast milk offers benefits that no other source can match. Breast milk contains antibodies, enzymes, and nutrients specifically designed for the baby, which protect and support growth and development. In cases where formula is required, formula feeding can never substitute for the protective factors found in breast milk.
Symptom: Babies exclusively breastfed may have frequent, soft stools and occasional gas or fussiness, which is normal. Signs of proper feeding include steady weight gain, alertness, and active feeding cues, indicating that breast milk is providing sufficient nutrition.
Myth 3: You will have to stop breastfeeding if you are sick
There are many mothers who are afraid of either their illnesses or, mostly, minor infections harming their baby. Breastfeeding can usually continue even with most illnesses, and in fact, breast milk can protect babies by passing on the mother's antibodies. Breastfeeding is still safe and recommended even when a mother has a cold or mild flu.
Only in exceptional cases, like if a mother is taking medication contraindicated for breastfeeding or has a very serious infection, would it be advisable to stop breastfeeding. This is typically a recommendation made by your healthcare professional, who ensures you are practicing safe health measures while maintaining the nutritional needs of your baby and supporting their rapidly developing immune system through your breast milk.
Symptom: Mothers may notice mild cold symptoms, such as congestion or fatigue, but these typically do not affect milk supply. Baby may occasionally show temporary fussiness or mild cold symptoms if exposed to maternal illness, but breast milk provides antibodies that help protect the baby.
Myth 4: Frequent feeding spoils the baby
Many parents fear they will spoil their babies or make their children "dependent" if they feed as needed. Realizing frequent breastfeeding is normal allows parents to feel reassured and helps mom establish a secure attachment with her baby.
Symptom: Newborns may nurse every 1–3 hours, sometimes cluster feeding during the day or night. This is normal and healthy, not a sign of “spoiling.” Symptoms of normal feeding include: sucking reflex, rooting, and contentment after feeds.
Myth 5: You can't breastfeed after going back to work
Returning to work does not mean the end of breastfeeding. Many Breastfeeding new mothers express and store milk or pump with breast pumps and feed their baby at the beginning and end of the workday. In consultation with mother-friendly services and strategies, a mother can nourish her baby with breast milk and keep his/her immune system facing adversity in these situations. Breastfeeding and a career don't have to be mutually exclusive if it is viewed as an extendable connection between mother and baby.
Symptom: Mothers returning to work may notice full or engorged breasts during the day, which is normal. Expressing milk using a pump can prevent discomfort and maintain supply. Mild nipple soreness or leakage may also occur but can be managed with proper pumping techniques and supportive clothing.
Breastfeeding Facts
Breastfeeding offers the foundation for nutrition, immunity, growth, and bonding. All mothers can breastfeed, even if they work. Let's take a look at a few facts:
1. Fact about small breasts
The size of the breasts has no relation to the supply of breast milk. Milk supply is determined by occupying the baby with feeding, and a good latch, not breast size. Mothers of every size can produce adequate milk for their baby.
2. Fact about formula vs breast milk
Breast milk is made specifically for a baby's growth and immune system. It has antibodies, enzymes, and nutrients that a formula cannot replicate. Breastfeeding exclusively for six months encourages healthy long-term health and protects against infections as a baby develops.
3. Facts about breastfeeding when sick
Since breast milk contains antibodies, it has a protective effect on the baby. Temporary cessation of breastfeeding is only needed in rare situations such as serious infections or certain medications. To ensure you can be safe, it is a good idea to consult your health care professional.
4. Myth about frequent feeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy feeding method that is based on demand. Frequent breastfeeding is key for meeting a baby’s nutritional and emotional needs, but also for healthy growth and development, and stimulating milk flow. Babies that are fed responsively will develop a secure attachment to their mother.
5. Myth around breastfeeding after returning to work
Breastfeeding can continue when a mother returns to work. Breastfeeding can continue, with planning. Expressing and storing milk may be an option, will the mother still be able to breastfeed gy feeding before and after work?
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a very natural way to feed your baby and is a wonderful way to feed your baby, providing nutrition, immune protection, and bonding. Breastfeeding comes with a lot of myths that can lead to negative feelings on the part of mothers, like the myths associated with small breasts, frequency of feeding, or work. While some things can create unnecessary trepidation for mothers, knowing the facts can help a mother feel confident with informed choices.
The health benefits of breast milk are invaluable, and the majority of common illnesses will not stop you from breastfeeding safely. Feeding on demand supports growth and secure parent–child attachment, while continued breastfeeding after maternity leave can occur, provided you plan and express milk. By knowing the facts from the myths and obtaining professional support when necessary, mothers can provide their babies with the best possible start.
If you have concerns or need expert guidance, book Gynaecology specialists today to ensure the best start for your baby.
FAQ's
Breast size does not influence milk supply, as supply is determined by feeding frequency and latch.
Yes. It is very unlikely that you would have an illness that would actually affect breastfeeding. Most illnesses might even help pass along antibodies to your baby.
You should be feeding your newborn as often as your baby requires, which is often for demand feeding to foster their growth and maintain your milk supply.
Yes. When you are expressing milk while working, you could still nurse your baby. Not planning on nursing your baby (for example, using breast milk or being away with a breastfed baby) should be perfectly acceptable.
Breast milk can not be beat, helping to provide nutrition, immunity, etc. If a baby requires formula for any reason, it is just because it is time to use it.
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