28 Breastfeeding Myths and Facts

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of nurturing a newborn, yet it’s often clouded by misconceptions. In India, cultural beliefs and outdated information can sometimes overshadow scientific facts, causing confusion among new and expecting parents.

This article aims to dispel prevalent breastfeeding myths, offering clear, evidence-based information to support parents in making informed decisions.

Myths and Facts About Breastfeeding

1. Myth: Breastfeeding is easy.

Fact: Although it is a natural process, breastfeeding doesn’t always feel easy initially. It’s one of the common myths related to breastfeeding that everyone takes to it right away.

Breastfeeding is a process that you need to get comfortable with, and despite what anyone might tell you, each mother takes her own time to get used to feeding her child. There’s always a learning curve associated with it, and while this may seem easy to some, it might not be the same for all. Over time, both mother and baby settle into a rhythm that feels comfortable and rewarding.

2. Myth: Breastfeeding is tiring and time-consuming.

Fact: Contrary to breastfeeding myths suggesting it’s overly exhausting, which is true to some extent, it requires frequent night feeds and overwhelming moments before breastfeeding begins to feel natural. Yet, as the baby grows and establishes a feeding routine, it becomes far more convenient than bottle-prep and sterilisation.

With growing confidence and an established rhythm, mums often find breastfeeding less time-consuming than they initially imagined.

3. Myth: Nursing mothers can eat whatever they want.

Fact: While it’s a relief to know there’s no need for a severely restricted diet, the idea that nursing mums can eat whatever they want is one of the most common myths about breastfeeding and diet. You need not follow a strict diet during the nursing period, but a well-balanced, nutritious meal plan is still advisable. Foods rich in protein, calcium, iron, and healthy fats help sustain energy levels and support milk supply.

Also, some babies may show fussiness or gas after certain foods, like spicy curries or leafy vegetables, so it’s wise to observe your little one’s reactions and adjust accordingly with the assistance of your healthcare provider.

4. Myth: Formula-fed babies sleep better.

Fact: There’s a common belief that formula-fed infants stay full longer and thus sleep more soundly. However, research shows sleep patterns are influenced more by developmental factors than by feeding choices.

All babies, whether breastfed or formula-fed, have individual sleep cycles and growth-related wakefulness. While formula may remain in the stomach slightly longer, breast milk adapts to the baby’s changing needs, and frequent changes in sleep cycles during growth phases are completely normal.

5. Myth: Solid-fed babies sleep through the night.

Fact: Introducing solids can be exciting, but it doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted sleep. Some people believe in this myth related to breastfeeding, but in reality, your child’s sleep is affected by your baby’s developmental milestones, teething, and sometimes environmental changes.

Some infants may wake for comfort or habit rather than hunger. So instead of expecting solids to create a magical cure for middle-of-the-night wakings, focus on consistent bedtime routines, soothing rituals, and understanding their evolving sleep patterns.

6. Myth: A sleeping baby should not be awakened to feed.

Fact: In the newborn stage, roughly the first six to eight weeks, babies need feeding every 2–3 hours. Even if your baby dozes off, waking them for a feed ensures they receive enough nutrition.

As a baby grows and gains weight steadily, feeding can shift to more on-demand schedules. Check with your paediatrician as they’ll guide you on when it’s safe to let longer stretches of sleep occur naturally.

7. Myth: You should stop breastfeeding if you are sick.

Fact: Another common breastfeeding myth to not fall for is this one. Contrary to fear-driven beliefs, most common illnesses, like colds or mild flu, are not reasons to halt breastfeeding. The antibodies your body produces when you’re unwell pass through breast milk, protecting your baby from catching the same bug. But make sure that if you’re prescribed a medication or have a serious infection, inform your healthcare provider that you are lactating.

8. Myth: Medicines while breastfeeding are strictly off-limits.

Fact: This is one of the more persistent breastfeeding myths and misconceptions.

Many mums worry that any medication will harm their baby, but most standard prescriptions, like painkillers, antibiotics, and antihistamines, are considered compatible with breastfeeding.

But it is advisable to always inform your doctor or pharmacist that you’re breastfeeding so they can recommend the safest options. Never stop breastfeeding without first discussing with a qualified healthcare professional.

9. Myth: Taking a pause between feeds will increase milk production.

Fact: One of the common misconceptions about breastfeeding is that pausing feeds helps in increasing milk production.

Milk production works on a supply-and-demand mechanism. The more frequently you remove milk (by baby feeding or pumping), the stronger the signal for your body to produce more. Delaying feeds or extending intervals can send the opposite message, causing supply to dwindle.

If you worry about supply, focus on regular skin-to-skin contact, feeding on demand, and staying hydrated, rather than artificially lengthening gaps to “boost” supply.

10. Myth: Many women do not produce enough milk.

Fact: It’s a widespread concern, but keeping genuine cases of insufficient glandular tissue or medical issues aside, most women produce ample milk for their babies. What often gets misinterpreted as “low supply” is simply normal newborn behaviour, like cluster feeding or more frequent feeds during a baby’s growth spurt.

Seeking guidance from a lactation consultant can help confirm true supply issues and provide strategies, like ensuring an effective latch, which helps optimise milk removal and production.

11. Myth: Breastfeeding always leads to weight loss.

Fact: While it’s true that breastfeeding often burns additional calories, weight loss varies widely. Hormonal fluctuations, individual metabolism, and postpartum activity levels all play roles.

Some mums may find the scales shift quickly, while others notice gradual changes once menstruation returns. Rather than expecting automatic weight loss, focus on balanced meals and gentle exercise. Address any concerns with your doctor, as healthy postpartum recovery looks different for everyone.

12. Myth: Breastfeeding causes breasts to sag.

Fact: Skin elasticity, genetics, and the effects of gravity influence sagging more than nursing. While supporting your breasts with a well-fitted bra during pregnancy and breastfeeding can help maintain shape, ultimately, pregnancy’s hormonal and physical shifts are the chief culprits.

Breastfeeding itself is a choice that offers many benefits, and it shouldn’t be avoided, especially out of fear of some breastfeeding myths and misconceptions.

13. Myth: You can’t drink coffee or caffeine while breastfeeding.

Fact: Many people believe caffeine passes directly into breast milk and upsets the baby, but moderate consumption is typically safe. However, watch for signs of irritability or poor sleep in your baby. If these appear, reduce intake.

It’s a good idea to have your coffee just after a feed. Clear communication with your paediatrician will help you maintain a comfortable balance.

14. Myth: You must stop breastfeeding if you return to work or school.

Fact: With careful planning, returning to work or studies and continuing to breastfeed is entirely feasible. Many mums express milk using a manual or electric pump during breaks, storing it in sterilised containers for caregivers to use. Establishing a feeding and pumping schedule ahead of time ensures the supply remains steady.

15. Myth: Breastfeeding is only beneficial in the first few months.

Fact: It’s a misconception that breast milk’s perks fade after infancy. The World Health Organisation and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continuation up to 2 years or more, alongside appropriate complementary foods.

Breast milk evolves in composition, matching the baby’s needs through various developmental milestones, from immune protection to essential fats for brain growth. Extended breastfeeding offers ongoing benefits for both mother and child, such as reduced illness risk and emotional bonding.

16. Myth: You can’t breastfeed if you have small breasts.

Fact: Breast size has no bearing on milk-producing capacity. Rather, it’s the glandular tissue behind the breast that matters.

If you’re worried about supply, focus on feeding technique, frequency, and emotional well-being. Do not fall for such breastfeeding myths as breast size isn’t the determining factor, and that confidence, support, and correct latch are far more important.

17. Myth: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy completely.

Fact: While exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation and ovulation, it’s not a guarantee. Once feeds become less frequent or supplements are introduced, fertility may return unexpectedly.

If avoiding pregnancy is important, consider additional contraceptive methods that are safe for breastfeeding mums. Never assume nursing alone offers full protection, and discuss options with your healthcare provider to make an informed choice.

18. Myth: Breastfeeding babies don’t need vaccinations.

Fact: Breast milk does convey antibodies, giving newborns early, passive immunity. However, it does not replace the targeted protection offered by vaccines.

Childhood immunisation schedules are essential to protect your baby against life-threatening diseases. Relying solely on breastfeeding increases risk. Combining breast milk’s natural immune support with timely vaccinations provides the best defence for your baby.

19. Myth: Formula is as good as breast milk.

Fact: Formula manufacturers strive to replicate breast milk’s nutritional profile, but breast milk remains unparalleled. It dynamically adjusts its composition, like essential proteins, fats, and antibodies according to the baby’s evolving needs. For instance, during illness, maternal antibodies increase in breast milk to help fight infection.

While formula can provide adequate nutrition when breastfeeding isn’t possible, it lacks these live immune components. Understanding breastfeeding myths and facts underscores why breast milk remains the gold standard.

20. Myth: Breastfed babies need extra water, especially in summer.

Fact: Breast milk is roughly 87% water and typically provides sufficient hydration, even in hot Indian summers. Offering additional water before six months can displace essential nutrients from breast milk, risk water intoxication, or introduce germs.

As a baby starts complementary foods around 6 months, small sips of water alongside meals are fine. Until then, trust that breast milk’s water content, combined with frequent feeds, keeps your infant well-hydrated.

21. Myth: Breastfeeding mothers cannot exercise.

Fact: Gentle to moderate exercises such as walking, yoga, and postnatal Pilates not only support your physical recovery but also boost mood and energy levels. While this common myth around breastfeeding has been making the rounds, there’s no scientific evidence that shows regular exercise harms milk supply or alters milk composition negatively.

Some sensible precautions to take are to wear a super supportive bra for comfort and to wait until the postpartum bleeding has reduced.

22. Myth: You should wash nipples before each feed.

Fact: Overwashing or using harsh soaps can strip the delicate nipple area of its natural oils, causing dryness and potential cracking, leading to discomfort.

Daily bathing is sufficient for nipple hygiene. If you are still concerned, simply pat the area dry and allow the tiny amount of breast milk left on the skin to air-dry after feeding. If milk residue builds up, wash with plain water and gently pat dry. No need for rigorous cleaning before every feed.

23. Myth: You can’t breastfeed if you have flat or inverted nipples.

Fact: Many women learn they can successfully breastfeed even with flat or inverted nipples, given a few tweaks. Techniques such as nipple stimulation before feeds, using a breast pump briefly to draw out the nipple, or breast shells can help the baby latch effectively.

Most cases of flat or inverted nipples resolve once breastfeeding is established, turning this breastfeeding myth into an easily surmountable issue.

24. Myth: Breastfeeding in public is inappropriate.

Fact: Feeding your baby is a natural act and a basic need. Just like anyone else gets hungry, so does your baby and feeding them is perfectly natural. Moreover, Indian law and social norms increasingly support a mother’s right to nurse anywhere, though covering, like a light shawl or nursing wrap, can add comfort. If you are conscious, finding comfortable spots, like nursing rooms, can help you feel more at ease.

25. Myth: Breastfeeding reduces the father’s bonding experience.

Fact: Fathers play a crucial role in early bonding through activities like bathing, reading stories, or simply holding the baby after feeds. While there’s no denying that feeding is an intimate mother-baby interaction, dads can be fully involved in other caregiving routines, like nappy changes, lullabies, and gentle play.

Shared responsibilities foster strong family bonds, showing that myths around breastfeeding shouldn’t prevent fathers from forming close connections.

26. Myth: If a baby feeds frequently, it means you’re not making enough milk.

Fact: Frequent feeds are common during your baby’s growing leaps. They may nurse for comfort or because their bodies suddenly need extra calories for growth. This behaviour doesn’t necessarily indicate low supply. Instead, it highlights that your baby’s nutritional demands have increased.

Understanding the facts behind such myths related to breastfeeding helps you uncover the real truth and do what’s best for your baby’s needs.

27. Myth: You should switch to formula if your baby isn’t sleeping well.

Fact: Sleep patterns in infancy are shaped by many factors, such as the baby’s temperament or health and not solely by feed type. Introducing a formula may alter feeding schedules briefly, but it doesn’t guarantee better sleep.

Instead, focus on consistent bedtime routines, safe sleep practices, and responding to your baby’s cues. Dispelling breastfeeding myths and recognising the myth and truth about breastfeeding empowers parents to make informed choices before switching to formula, which may not always solve sleep disturbances.

28. Myth: Once you introduce solids, breast milk isn’t needed anymore.

Fact: Complementary foods do become part of your baby’s diet from around 6 months, but breast milk remains a vital nutritional source well beyond that point. It continues to provide antibodies, essential fatty acids, and hydrating fluids. Many experts recommend breastfeeding up to 2 years or as long as the mother and baby wish.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a journey filled with joys and challenges, yet it is clouded by myths that create unnecessary worry. From latching hurdles to concerns about diet and sleep, understanding the myths and truths about breastfeeding empowers parents to make better and informed decisions. Embrace the learning curve and remember that every mum-baby duo is different. With accurate information and professional support, you can nurture a healthy, happy baby!