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Debunking Breastfeeding Myths

Here are the facts about some common breastfeeding misconceptions:

Myth: Breastfeeding is painful

Fact: Breastfeeding should not be painful; but in the early weeks, along with swelling and engorgement, nipples can become sensitive and sore. Proper positioning of mother and baby is important as is proper latch-on to the breast. If your nipples do become sore or cracked, Lansinoh HPA Lanolin can be applied to help soothe, heal and protect the nipple, and Soothies by Lansinoh Gel Pads can provide cooling relief upon contact for sore, tender nipples.

Myth: If I have sore nipples the most effective solution is to use expressed breastmilk

Fact: A new independent 2010 study concludes that HPA® Lanolin, combined with breastfeeding education, is more effective than expressed breastmilk, combined with breastfeeding education, in reducing nipple pain and promoting healing of nipple trauma (Abou-Dakn et al). The full study can be viewed free online.

If you have additional questions about breastfeeding, contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, or speak to your obstetrician or pediatrician.

Myth: Alternating between the breast and bottle does not cause nipple confusion

Fact: Early on, switching your baby between a bottle and breast may cause nipple confusion or nipple preference. In a very short time baby could learn to prefer bottle feeding to breastfeeding because she has not had the opportunity to establish the correct mouth movements for proper breastfeeding. Try to avoid using bottles and pacifiers for the first four weeks of your baby's life to have an opportunity to establish your milk supply and nursing routine.

Myth: If my baby is nursing every hour, I can't be producing enough milk

Fact: Often cited as a main reason for not breastfeeding, only about 1% of women are unable to produce enough breastmilk for their babies. Breastmilk production works on supply and demand so more nursing or pumping can actually increase your milk. It's absolutely normal for your baby to nurse very frequently at certain times of the day because breastmilk is easier to digest and sometimes baby will cluster feed. This is a good thing because cluster feeding often will lead to longer stretches of sleep. Often babies will increase their frequency of feedings because of a growth spurt, usually around six weeks and then three, six and nine months of age. If you are separated from your baby, it is important to pump as often as the baby would nurse so your body continues to produce milk. 

Myth: Breastfeeding mothers must use both breasts at each feeding

Fact: It's not as important that the baby feeds from both breasts at every feeding, but rather that he finishes the first breast and gets the hindmilk. The foremilk at the beginning of a feed quenches the baby's thirst and hydrates him, while the thicker hindmilk at the end of the feed is full of protein and fat to help the baby grow. If only one breast is used at a feeding, make sure that the next feeding begins with the other breast, in order to keep producing plenty of milk.

Myth: You can't continue to breastfeed after you return to work

Fact: It is possible, and very common, for women to breastfeed and work full or part time, but it does take a little planning and commitment. Since your body is programmed to produce milk, you will need to make arrangements to either pump while at work or go home to breastfeed at regular intervals throughout the day.

Breastfeeding successfully while working may sometimes be a challenge, but with the support of your employer, using an efficient breast pump and finding a proper storage area for your expressed milk, it can be done.

The important thing is to remember why you started breastfeeding in the first place and keep in mind through the challenging at times.

Invest in a Quality Electric Breast Pump: An electric breast pump is important to keep up your milk supply and pump enough milk for your baby to have while you are at work. Look for a pump that optimizes cycle rate because they are more efficient and easier on your nipples. Double electric pumps, like the Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Breast Pump, allow a mother to pump both breasts at the same time.

Stock Up: If possible, you should start pumping and freezing your milk about a month before returning to work. It is important to store your milk in containers specially designed for breastmilk storage such as Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags and Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bottles—both BPA Free!

Talk with Your Employer: It is important to talk to your employer about your pumping schedule and work out a designated area that is clean, sanitary and private where you can pump—and not in a bathroom if at all possible. If possible, have this conversation prior to leaving on maternity leave so you have one less thing to worry about when you return to work. Maintain a positive attitude about coming back to work so that your employer knows how much you value your job and want to be at work, but also continue to breastfeed.

If you meet resistance from your employer, you can point out the many benefits of breastfeeding for the employer, such as reduced absenteeism because the baby is less likely to be sick because of breastmilk's protective benefits. Or you can use one of these great United States Breastfeeding Committee Publications to aid in your conversation.

Myth: Breastfeeding shortchanges dad from bonding with the baby

Fact: Sometimes dads of breastfed babies feel left out and worry that only the mother will bond with the baby. Non-feeding activities such as holding the baby, dressing, bathing and changing the baby are ideal for the dad of a breastfeeding baby so they can feel a close connection with the baby too. When a baby is extra fussy and breastfeeding does not seem to be the answer to baby's distress, there is nothing more welcoming than "daddy's touch".

Myth: Prior to delivery, expecting mothers should rub rough terry cloths on their nipples to "toughen them up"

Fact: Nipples do not need to be toughened up. This act can indeed cause nipple soreness as it can cause trauma on already tender, expanded skin. If anything, nipples need to remain supple. Lansinoh HPA Lanolin can be applied before delivery to help keep nipples soft and supple.

If you have additional questions about breastfeeding, contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, or speak to your obstetrician or pediatrician.