New mothers are often faced with a lot of breastfeeding related information all at once. It can be hard for parents to decipher which information is accurate, and which parts pertain to their specific situation. As you continue to read, you will find that I have worked through a number of misconceptions a mother may have prior to breastfeeding. You will find that there is a myth statement, followed by a fact segment to help direct a new mother towards a clear picture of what to expect in terms of their milk supply.
Myth 1: Breastfeeding is natural
Fact: Babies are born with a sucking and rooting reflex which helps them breastfeed. When the infant's upper palate is stimulated, they instinctively start to suck using the sucking reflex. The infants rooting reflex is seen when their head turns towards the direction in which their cheek or mouth is being stroked. These inborn reflexes are building blocks for a successful feed. These reflexes do not guarantee that the infant will have a successful feed. Breastfeeding is a learned skill equally by the mother and infant, which must be worked on when there are difficulties (Buchanan, 2015; United Nations Children's Fund, n.d.).
Myth 2: Breast size and shape matters
Fact: Each person's breast and nipple has a different shape and size. No breast is alike or perfect. Multiple factors will affect the anatomical compatibility there will be between a baby and the mother. The size of the infant's mouth, and the flexibility and motion of the lips and tongue will also play a huge role in the ability to latch and successfully breastfeed (Buchanan, 2015). The size or the shape of the breasts and nipples are rarely an obstacle to breastfeed, there will be tricks that we can use if we have larger or smaller breasts, large or flat nipples, but very rarely this will be an obstacle to achieve a good latch.
Myth 3: Drinking milk or water increases milk supply
Fact: Drinking milk or plenty of water will make very little difference in milk supply. Although, it is very important for a mother to keep herself hydrated with fluids in general and have a healthy and balanced diet, this is not what is going to determine her milk supply. Other factors such as feeding on demand, a deep latch, baby's proper oral function, and avoiding early supplementation will actually impact milk supply in a positive way.
Myth 4: Breastfeeding is painful
Fact: If a mother is experiencing pain while she's breastfeeding, it is most likely due to latch mechanics: a shallow latch, improper placement of her body or the infants or a tongue-tied baby, among others. If breastfeeding is painful, it would be beneficial for the mother to reach out to a breastfeeding specialist to determine the cause for the discomfort (Buchanan, 2015; Texas Health and Human Services Commission, n.d.; WIC Breastfeeding, n.d; United Nations Children's Fund, n.d.).
Myth 5: Many mothers "can't" make enough milk
Fact: 95% of mothers are physically capable of making enough milk for their babies. Oftentimes new mothers assume that they have low milk supply based on the size, shape and fullness of their breasts. Mothers should be looking for other predictors such as a good and active feedings, proper weight gain, many wet and dirty diapers, and a baby that is happy overall. A baby that is not getting enough, will be a fussy baby, with poor weight gain and/or difficult feedings. The human body is miraculous, and it supplies the exact amount of breastmilk your infant needs as the baby grows. As the baby demands more, the mothers breasts will supply that demand.
Myth 6: Feed your baby every 3 h and 15 min from each breast
Fact: Over the first few weeks of life it is essential that the infant is fed on demand. Babies don't come with a schedule, and their feeding patterns change very frequently as they grow. If your baby is hungry, feed them even if it has only been an hour since the last feed. You will be able to understand your infant's hunger cues after a few days together. By following your baby's hunger cues and offering both breasts at each feeding, you'll be making sure your baby's getting everything he needs.
Myth 7: Full breasts are good breasts
Fact: We often think full breasts are a sign of oversupply. But this is not always the case. We often see that what's really happening is insufficient drainage of the breast. If you find that your breasts are not softer after each feed, it is imperative that you find out what's the cause of the insufficient drainage, and if your baby's getting enough milk at each feed. Engorged breasts and clogged ducts could indicate a poor latch and cause a drop in milk supply. If your breasts remain full for a long period of time and you're are not actively asking your them to create more milk, your body will not create more. If you decide to skip a breastfeeding session, and bottle feed instead, it would be of great benefit to pump the breast milk out so that your body continues to resupply the milk. It is important that a breastfeeding mom does not go more than four hours without either breastfeeding or pumping (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, n.d.).
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By Deena Zacks. Edited by Paola Vallarino.
References:
Buchanan, J. (2015, July 7). Ten myths and facts about breastfeeding. Children's Hospital
Los Angeles. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.chla.org/blog/rn-remedies/ten-myths-and-facts-about-breastfeeding
Public Health England. (n.d.). Breast Milk Supply. Breastfeeding challenges. NHS choices.
Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/
breastfeeding-challenges/milk-supply/
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, WIC Program. (n.d.). Setting your Supply . Breastmilk. Every Ounce Counts. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.breastmilkcounts.com/your-milk-supply/setting-your-supply/
United Nations Children's Fund. (n.d.). Busted: 14 myths about breastfeeding. UNICEF Parenting. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/14-myths-about-breastfeeding
WIC Breastfeeding. (n.d.). Low milk supply. WIC Breastfeeding Support - U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/low-milk-supply
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