Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the best source of nutrition for a newborn, offering the ideal balance of nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. It also helps strengthen a baby’s immune system, protecting against infections and supporting overall well-being. For mothers, breastfeeding promotes postpartum recovery by helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce the risk of certain health conditions, including breast and ovarian cancers.
Despite its proven benefits, breastfeeding is surrounded by several myths and misconceptions that can leave new mothers feeling confused or anxious. Separating fact from fiction is essential to help women make informed decisions about feeding their babies. Experts encourage mothers to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals or lactation consultants to address their concerns and receive accurate, evidence-based advice throughout their breastfeeding journey.
Common Breastfeeding Myths
Myth 1: Women with small breasts may produce less amount of milk
Fact: Breast size does not determine milk production. Milk supply depends on how often the baby feeds and how effectively the breast is emptied.
Myth 2: Mothers should stop breastfeeding if they are sick and have a cold or fever
Fact: In most common illnesses, breastfeeding should continue. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect the baby from infection.
Myth 3: Formula milk is as good as breast milk.
Fact: Breast milk contains antibodies, enzymes, and nutrients that cannot be fully replicated in formula milk. Give formula milk to the baby as per the doctor’s advice.
Myth 4: Babies need water along with breast milk
Fact: Babies who are exclusively breastfed do not need water during the first six months, even when the weather outside is hot.
Myth 5: Breastfeeding should be discontinued when the baby starts teething
Fact: Teething is not a reason to stop breastfeeding. Most babies learn to feed without biting.
Myth 6: Breastfeeding Mothers Must Refrain From Eating Several Foods
Fact: The majority of mothers are able to follow a healthy, varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains and protein-rich foods like beans and lentils. It should be noted that they are advised against eating unhealthy fast and processed foods. In general, no dietary changes are recommended to nursing mothers.
Myth 7: Baby’s Frequent Feeding is a Sign of Mother’s Low Milk Supply
Fact: It is quite common to see a baby feed frequently, and it actually encourages lactation. Frequent feeding, especially if the baby is going through a growth spurt, is very beneficial to the mother’s milk supply.
Myth 8: Breastfeeding is Painful
Fact: Pain when starting a feed is normal. But the pain that continues after a feed or in between feeds could probably point to an incorrect latch and needs a consultation with a lactation specialist.
Myth 9: A working mother cannot breastfeed the baby
Fact: When properly organized and with the help of expressing and storing breast milk, many working mothers still manage to breastfeed their babies successfully.
Myth 10: Breastfeeding has to be stopped after six months
Fact: Six months is the average age at which babies should be exposed to other foods while still breastfeeding up to 2 years or even longer, as a doctor recommends it.
About The Doctor
Dr. Avi Sanghavi is an MD in Paediatrics and a Consultant Neonatologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Ghatkopar, Mumbai. He specializes in the care of newborns, infants, children, and adolescents, with particular expertise in neonatal intensive care (NICU) and the management of high-risk and premature babies. Dr. Sanghavi has experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of paediatric conditions, including newborn health concerns, childhood infections, growth and developmental issues, nutritional disorders, vaccination, and preventive child healthcare.
