Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way to feed your baby. But advice from family, friends, and experts often leaves new parents confused and overwhelmed. If you're planning to breastfeed your newborn, Anne Lawson, CNM, certified nurse midwife at Atlantic Health, helps you separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: You won’t produce enough milk unless you supplement
Fact: Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand, and most women can produce enough milk for their babies. When you supplement, your baby nurses less, which causes your body to produce less milk. The best way to stimulate regular milk production is to nurse or pump frequently.
Myth 2: Breastfeeding hurts
Fact: Breastfeeding should be comfortable. While some initial tenderness is normal, persistent pain is a sign that something isn’t right. If nursing hurts, try repositioning the baby or adjusting the way the baby is latched onto the breast. Your health care provider or a lactation consultant can help.
Myth 3: You can’t breastfeed if you have small, large, or altered breasts
Fact: Breast size has nothing to do with milk production. Female breasts all have the same mammary gland tissue for producing milk—and babies can latch to breasts of any size or shape. Large breasts won’t suffocate the baby. And breast surgeries, nipple piercings, or breast implants can impact milk ejection, not milk production.
Myth 4: Stop breastfeeding if you get sick
Fact: In most cases, it's better to continue breastfeeding when you're ill. Your body produces antibodies that are passed on to your baby through your milk, helping to protect them from the illness. Only a few serious conditions would require stopping, so if you’re unsure, consult your health care provider.
Myth 5: You can’t eat certain foods while breastfeeding
Fact: While some babies may be sensitive to particular foods, most women can eat a varied, normal diet without any issues. Only if your baby shows signs of a reaction—fussiness, rash, or digestive issues—do you need to start avoiding specific foods while breastfeeding.
Myth 6: Formula-fed babies sleep better than breastfed babies
Fact: Sleep patterns vary for all babies, whether they’re breastfed or formula-fed. Although breastmilk digests more quickly, many breastfed babies sleep well through the night. Factors like temperament, development, and sleep patterns also play major roles.
Myth 7: Formula feeding is more convenient than breastfeeding
Fact: Actually, formula feeding comes with some logistical challenges. Preparing bottles, finding and heating water, sanitizing supplies, measuring portions—it can all be quite cumbersome. In contrast, breastfeeding offers a “ready-to-feed” solution that’s always available and tailored to your baby’s needs.
Myth 8: I need to choose whether to breastfeed or formula feed
Fact: You don’t have to choose 100% breastmilk or 100% formula. Using a combination of breastmilk and formula is a completely valid, safe, and practical approach. It allows you to supplement your milk supply if returning to work, share feeding responsibilities, or simply give you peace of mind.
“Breastfeeding is a journey, not a one-size-fits-all experience,” says Anne. “Ask questions, talk to your provider, and reach out to a lactation consultant for extra support. Above all, trust your instincts.”
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