7 Breastfeeding Myths BUSTED

Ever wondered what the top breastfeeding myths are? 🤔

From the moment your bundle of joy enters the world, it seems that everyone wants to share their advice on what’s right and wrong when it comes to breastfeeding. How do you spot fact from fiction?

Here are 7 common breastfeeding misconceptions debunked:

👉🏻 Myth 1 - You need to space out feeds to give your breasts time to fill up

Reality: breastfeeding works on a theory of supply and demand – the more milk removed from your breasts, the more milk your body will produce.

👉🏻 Myth 2 - Exercise will make your milk sour

Reality: Although intense exercise can increase the amount of lactic acid in your breast milk (for up to 90 minutes post-exercise), any increase in lactic acid won’t harm your baby, and your baby won’t refuse to feed.

👉🏻 Myth 3 - You need to ‘pump and dump’ if you drink alcohol

Reality: Pumping and dumping will not reduce the amount of alcohol in your breast milk: the alcohol level in your milk will reflect your blood alcohol levels.

👉🏻 Myth 4 - Breastfed babies are ‘bad’ sleepers

Reality: Breast milk is digested more easily than manufactured baby formula, so breastfed babies will generally feed more often, but they can also sleep more soundly.

👉🏻 Myth 5 - The amount of milk you can pump is an indicator of your milk supply

Reality: The amount of milk you can pump shows how much milk you can pump, not necessarily how much milk you make.

👉🏻 Myth 6 - You need to drink milk to make milk

Reality: You don’t need to drink or eat specific foods to make milk. While some foods are lactogenic and can support a healthy milk supply, a nutrient-dense diet is plentiful.

👉🏻 Myth 7 - There is no goodness in your milk after three months

Reality: There is no ‘use-by’ date on breast milk’s immune factors or nutritional value. Breastfeeding continues to be an essential source of nutrition and health protection, however long your baby breastfeeds.

Remember - you are the expert about your body and your baby!