Why these myths matter
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural acts in the world — yet it often comes with overwhelming pressure and conflicting advice. New moms are bombarded with comments from relatives, well-meaning friends, and even strangers, all eager to share their opinions on what’s “right.”
But here’s the truth: every mom and baby pair is unique. By gently sorting myth from fact, you can feel more relaxed and better equipped to make choices that work for your family.
So let’s explore some of the most common myths about breastfeeding — and the reassuring facts behind them.
Myth 1: Small breasts mean less milk
The truth
Many Many new moms look down at their chests in those early postpartum days and worry, “Are my breasts big enough to feed my baby?” It’s such a tender, vulnerable question — and thankfully, there’s a reassuring answer.
Breast size has almost nothing to do with milk-making ability.
Breast size is mainly determined by fatty tissue, which gives your breasts their shape and volume. This tissue does not produce milk. Instead, your milk comes from glandular tissue inside the breast — tiny clusters of cells called alveoli that create and store milk.
Most women, no matter the size of their breasts, have plenty of this milk-producing tissue. What truly matters is how effectively and often your milk is removed — either by your baby nursing or by pumping.
Every time milk is removed from your breast, it signals your body to make more. This is why frequent, good-quality breastfeeding (with a deep latch and proper suckling) is the most important factor in building and maintaining a healthy milk supply.
So whether your breasts are small, medium, or large, they are beautifully designed to nourish your baby. Trust in their remarkable ability — and if you ever worry, reach out to a lactation consultant who can reassure you and check that milk is being removed well.
Myth 2: You have to drink milk to make milk
The gentle truth
This is one of the oldest breastfeeding misconceptions — that in order to make breastmilk, you must drink cow’s milk.
The truth? Your body makes breastmilk from your overall hydration and nutrition, not directly from the milk you drink. As long as you’re drinking enough fluids of any kind — water, herbal teas, soups, smoothies — and eating a balanced diet, your body will make milk perfectly suited to your baby.
Drinking cow’s milk (or other milk products) is fine if you enjoy them, but it’s not required to produce breastmilk. If you don’t like milk, are lactose intolerant, or follow a dairy-free diet, there’s absolutely no need to worry. Your breastmilk will still be just right.
The key is to stay well-hydrated and well-nourished, so your body has the energy and nutrients to keep making that amazing milk.
Myth 3: Breastfeeding is natural, so it should come easily
The gentle truth
This is such a heartbreaking myth because it makes so many moms feel like they’re failing if breastfeeding doesn’t click right away.
While breastfeeding is indeed natural, it’s also a learned skill — for both you and your baby. Babies are born with reflexes that help them nurse, but they still have to practice coordinating their suck, swallow, and breathing. Meanwhile, you’re learning how to position them, how a deep latch feels, and how to read your baby’s cues.
It’s completely normal to have challenges like sore nipples, engorgement, or latching issues in the early days. These don’t mean something is wrong with you — they just mean you’re both learning.
With time, patience, and often a little skilled support from a lactation consultant or caring nurse, most breastfeeding pairs find their rhythm. If breastfeeding is painful or stressful, please reach out for help. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Myth 4: If you’re sick, you should stop breastfeeding
The gentle truth
It’s common to worry that if you’re under the weather, you might pass your illness on to your baby through your milk. Actually, the opposite is true.
In most cases, breastfeeding while sick is one of the best ways to protect your baby. When you get sick, your body starts producing antibodies to fight that specific illness. Those antibodies pass through your breastmilk directly to your baby, helping boost their immune defenses.
For common illnesses like colds, mild flu, or stomach bugs, it’s not only safe to keep nursing — it’s encouraged. Just remember to wash your hands frequently and try to avoid coughing or sneezing directly on your baby.
Of course, if you’re ever unsure or dealing with a more serious illness, check in with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Myth 5: Formula-fed babies sleep better
The gentle truth
Many exhausted parents hear this myth and feel tempted to switch to formula just to get a few more hours of sleep.
While it’s true that formula can take longer to digest, leading some babies to have slightly longer stretches between feedings, this doesn’t guarantee better or longer sleep overall. Baby sleep is incredibly complex and depends on many factors, including developmental stages, temperament, and even your baby’s natural sleep rhythms.
It’s also completely normal (and healthy!) for babies to wake frequently in the night. Night waking helps protect against SIDS and allows your baby to feed often, which is important for growth and maintaining your milk supply.
So try not to compare your baby’s sleep to others’. Frequent night feeds are hard, but they are also a sign of normal, healthy infant development.
Myth 6: You have to stop breastfeeding when your baby gets teeth
The gentle truth
The idea that teeth mean the end of breastfeeding is simply not true. Many babies get their first teeth around 6 months but continue breastfeeding well into toddlerhood.
While it’s possible your baby might experiment with biting, most quickly learn that biting ends the feeding. A gentle, calm response — like unlatching them with your finger and calmly saying “no biting” — usually teaches them very effectively.
So if you and your baby are both happy to continue, there’s absolutely no reason to stop just because those adorable teeth make an appearance.
Myth 7: If your baby has diarrhea or vomiting, stop breastfeeding
The gentle truth
Actually, one of the best things you can do for a baby with diarrhea or mild vomiting is to keep breastfeeding.
Breastmilk is gentle on your baby’s stomach, easy to digest, and full of antibodies that can help fight off whatever’s causing the upset. It also helps keep your baby hydrated, which is critical during any illness involving fluid loss.
Unless your pediatrician specifically advises otherwise (which is rare), continue offering breastmilk as often as your baby wants. Always call your doctor if your baby shows signs of dehydration, like fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth, or no tears when crying.
Myth 8: You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding
The gentle truth
While it’s true that exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of your menstrual cycle — a natural process called lactational amenorrhea — it’s not a foolproof method of birth control.
Your body can ovulate (release an egg) before your first period comes back, which means you could become pregnant without any warning. If you’re not planning another pregnancy soon, talk with your healthcare provider about contraceptive options that are safe for breastfeeding moms.
💖 Final gentle reminder: Trust yourself and seek support
Breastfeeding is a journey rich with tender moments, sweet cuddles, and yes — sometimes tears. It’s okay to have questions. It’s okay to need help. And it’s okay to make decisions that are best for you and your baby, even if they look different from what others expect.
Above all, remember this:
A happy, healthy baby and a calm, supported mom are what matter most. Whether you exclusively breastfeed, pump, mix feed, or use formula, you’re nurturing your little one with love — and that’s what truly counts.
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