Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience between mother and baby, but it can also be complicated and intimidating. With so many experiences and stories surrounding breastfeeding, you may not know where to start. We’ve put together a few of the most common breastfeeding myths and facts to give you some insight into the ins and outs of breastfeeding. Keep reading to find out more!
“Breastfeeding is easy.”
There are many myths around breastfeeding, and there is a stigma that every woman should be able to breastfeed. The truth is, although babies naturally have a reflex to breastfeed, it can take many attempts to establish breastfeeding successfully. Breastfeeding is tough, time-consuming, and takes a lot of practice to find what works best for you and your baby. Furthermore, many people believe breastfeeding is always uncomfortable and that there is nothing you can do about it. In reality, breastfeeding may cause discomfort from time to time, especially in the beginning as your body adjusts to nursing, but it should not be painful. We encourage you to consult with a lactation consultant to receive guidance and support throughout your breastfeeding journey.
“If you eat flavorful food while breastfeeding, your baby will experience those flavors.”
Believe it or not, this is true! Eating the food that you enjoy while breastfeeding not only benefits you but is also a great way to introduce your baby to new and different foods. Additionally, it can make it easier to introduce solid foods later on. We recommend trying to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy, but don’t worry about completely changing your food habits while you breastfeed, as your baby has been exposed to what you eat since they were in the womb.
“You shouldn’t breastfeed if you are sick or on any medication.”
For the most part, being sick or taking your medication does not affect your breastmilk. When you are ill, your body is actively making antibodies to fight off the virus. The bacteria and illness do not pass through your breastmilk, but the antibodies do! In fact, this is a great way to protect your baby from getting sick. You should discuss your medications with your provider and let them know that you breastfeed to ensure it is safe. They may recommend that you take your dosage at a particular time or switch to an alternative medication.
“You can feed your baby both breastmilk and formula.”
This is also true! Though some women would prefer to breastfeed exclusively, there can be many bumps in the road, trials and errors, and difficulties. Adding formula to your baby’s diet does not mean you must stop breastfeeding. It may, however, affect your milk supply and even cause an upset stomach for your baby. If you notice your baby prefers one option over the other, consult a healthcare provider or lactation specialist to determine the next steps.
“If you are breastfeeding, you will not get pregnant.”
Though breastfeeding has an impact on your fertility, hormones, and ovulation, it is not considered birth control. Even if your menstrual cycle starts up, your ovulation cycle may be inconsistent. You should discuss contraception options with your provider to determine which ones may be right for you during this time.
Breastfeeding can look different for everyone, and with so many inconsistencies and myths around breastfeeding, it can be scary and confusing. Greenville Women’s Care is here to help you walk through every season of life. If you have concerns about breastfeeding or would like to learn more, our team is here to help. Please call us at 252-757-3131 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers today.