MYTHS ABOUT BREASTFEEDING

  • Breastfeeding Hurts? TRUE & FALSE

In the beginning breastfeeding HURT like hell. I’m going to be honest with you. I know a lot of the text books say “Breastfeeding Shouldn’t Hurt”, but I don’t know any other way to explain it. I could barely get through a feeding without crying most of the time. My breast would feel extremely full as well as HOT and taking cold showers was the only I could get relief. This is normal though. This is a part of the regulating process. After about 3 weeks I noticed that the “pain” just went away. Absolutely out of the blue. I understand every woman is different and handles pain differently, so many feel fine breastfeeding in the beginning. That wasn’t the case for me. So, did breastfeeding hurt in the beginning of my journey? YES! Absolutely. However, this is my experience.

  • Moms Who Work Can Not Breastfeed? FALSE

I breastfed my daughter for 27 months. I constantly removed my milk by pumping and hand expressing while at work. Of course working full-time and breastfeeding is hard, but it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible.

  • Extended Breastfeeding Does Not Benefit For Your Child? FALSE

False!! I attribute my daughters GREAT health to breast milk. My baby never experienced a ear or eye infection, a cold or even a runny nose. Breast milk is like a multi-vitamin for toddlers. It kept my baby nice and strong. Call it luck, I call it BREAST MILK. Breast milk has nutrients like protein, calcium, fat, vitamin A, and so much more… even after the age of 12 months.

  • Breastfeeding Moms Sleep More?

It depends on how you look at things. The sleeping arrangement plays a role for sure. However, many BF moms find it more convenient to co sleep, which may allow mom to sleep more. Moms who don’t co sleep feel like they may sleep more because they say baby wakes less.

  • Moms With Breast Implants Do Not Produce Milk? FALSE

This is totally false. I have 2 friends that have breast implants and breastfeeding was never a problem. One mom produced more milk than me. Implants can definitely pose a problem like anything else, however, it is does not mean that you won’t be able to produce milk.

  • Breast Milk Sprays Out Of Many Holes? TRUE

So TRUE. The exact number of pores varies from mom to mom, but it is between 10 -20.

  • The Bottle Or Pacifier Will Create Nipple Confusion? FALSE

It depends on the baby. It’s not necessarily a confusion, but a preference I think. They start to like one more than the other. My LO never had this problem. She took the pacifier and my breast fine. Even started to take the bottle when I returned to work without a problem.

  • Breastfeeding Can Calm Both Mom And Baby? TRUE

Yes, indeed! Nursing moms release a hormone called Oxytocin. It has a calming effect which results in both mom and baby feeling relaxed.

  • Women With Small Breast Will Not Produce Milk? FALSE

Absolute FALSE! Big or small boobies, you can produce milk. Your milk supply is not dependent on your bust size.

  • You Will Not Get Your Period While Breastfeeding? FALSE

Big FAT False! Aunt flow paid me a visit at 12 weeks postpartum and she’s been coming every month faithfully.

  • Breast Milk Varies In Color? TRUE

Very True!! Depending on what I eat, my milk can look a light green and even pinkish. Depending on your babies needs, your milk can be fatter which may even look yellow. My baby is on the heavier side so I never had super fatter yellowish looking milk. It is always clear almost like watery milk.