Many new mothers are given false information about breastfeeding. Discover the facts about common breastfeeding myths.
Breastfeeding will hurt.
No. You may have some discomfort as you and your baby get into a routine and learn how to work with each other but you should not have any pain if your baby is latched on correctly. It is true that in the beginning the first few seconds after your baby latches on may be painful but if that does not go away then your baby is not latched on correctly and you will need to try again.
I cannot continue to breastfeed after returning to work.
You can continue to breastfeed after returning to work. Employers are required by law to provide a comfortable and private location for their employees to pump breastmilk during the work day. Many mothers continue to breastfeed successfully while working well past their baby’s first year of life. Quality daycare providers should allow a breastfeeding mother to visit during the day to feed their baby if they work nearby.
I won’t be able to breastfeed in public.
While many new mothers are initially uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, it is certainly possible. You can maintain your privacy by covering up with a blanket or nursing shield. Many stores and public buildings offer nursing lounges for mothers to feed their baby in private. Once you establish a comfortable breastfeeding routine, nursing in public will seem less daunting.
People will judge me for breastfeeding my baby.
The sad truth of it is, some people will judge you for breastfeeding your baby and some people will judge you for not breastfeeding your baby. Ignore those people. The large majority of family and friends are likely to be highly supportive of you, whatever choice you may make.
I won’t get any sleep if I breastfeed.
It is true that you will be the one who needs to get up in the middle of the night to feed your baby if you are solely breastfeeding. As your baby grows, you can replace one feeding a night with pumped breastmilk and have your partner help. Many mothers find that it is easier to either co-sleep with a breastfeeding baby, or keep them in a crib in the same room. As you grow more comfortable with breastfeeding you can often breastfeed while lying in bed and then return your baby to their crib. Any newborn is going to wake up during the night whether they are breastfed or not. Waking up in the middle of the night to go to the kitchen and make a bottle before feeding your baby is likely to wake you up more than rolling over in bed to nurse your baby.
I will never get a break from my baby if I breastfeed.
You are more tied to your baby if you breastfeed but many mothers find that the extra bond they feel with their breastfed baby is well worth any sacrifice of time. Pumping can help you to have a night away from your baby but you have the added benefit of knowing that your baby is still receiving breastmilk while you are away. Breastfed babies have a healthier immune system than formula fed babies and will likely be less demanding.
