Myths about breastfeeding are rampant in our culture. Sadly, a lot of women don't even try to nurse their babies, or give up almost immediately due to feelings of incompetence, lack of education and/or in many cases poor or misinformed advice from their doctors. Unbelievably, medical schools barely touch on the subject of breastfeeding, so many doctors know very little about it and in fact, some end up perpetuating many of the myths that keep women from breastfeeding their babies


Several Common Breastfeeding Myths:

"I can't breastfeed"
According to a number of sources, only 1-3% of women truly can't nurse. However, there are some instances where illness on the part of the mother or baby may prevent nursing. Or perhaps the mother may have had breast surgery that damaged the milk ducts. Again, check with a breastfeeding specialist to make sure that you can't nurse. Remember that sometimes doctors may not be your best source of information when it comes to breastfeeding. A lot of women think they can't nurse because of a failed earlier attempt. In many cases this is simply a lack of knowledge and proper support and encouragement.
See: Breastfeeding Basics

"I don't have enough milk"
Truly, in all likelihood, you DO have enough milk! For the first 2-3 days (or until your milk "comes in") all you will be producing is colostrum. Though only produced in small quantities, colostrum truly is "liquid gold" Rich in proteins, vitamins and infection fighting agents, colostrum is all your baby needs for the first several days until your milk comes in. After your milk does come in, if you really think that the baby isn't getting enough to eat, you may need to consult your physician, and a breastfeeding professional.
See: Milk Supply Issues

"I can't nurse my premature baby in the NICU"
Breast milk is extremely beneficial for your premature baby's health. If your baby is born mature enough to be able to suck, the colostrum you can provide will be invaluable to his/her early development. Once again...breast is best. If your baby is very premature and need to be fed intravenously, you can still pump your milk to establish a good supply and be prepared for the day when your baby can nurse. In the meantime, perhaps some of your milk can be tubefed to your baby. It has been found that breast milk is perfectly formatted for the premature infant, having different amounts of certain components that a premature infant needs. You should (hopefully) find your NICU staff happy to help you out. Consult a lactation consultant.
See: Premature Infants

"I have to wean my baby/toddler because I am pregnant" or "I can't nurse twins"
Tandem nursing may not be a walk in the park, especially at first, but it can be done, and IS done on a regular basis worldwide. For a small percentage of women who are at high risk of premature labor, nursing while you are pregnant may not be advised. Be sure your health care provider is educated about, and supportive of breastfeeding if you choose to nurse through a pregnancy. It is also possible to nurse twins, and even triplets.
See: Breastfeeding More Than One

"My breasts will sag if I nurse"
Even if this were true, it is a very sad reason for not wanting to nurse. Genetics and body type determine when your breasts will sag and pregnancy itself often causes sagging, not breastfeeding. Breasts are more than a decoration to sit on women's chests to be admired. The original, and only important, function of breasts is to produce and deliver the optimal food for human babies.

"I Can't Work and Breastfeed"
Of course you can! Many companies are starting to make it easier for mothers to pump milk in comfort with lactation rooms. It is to their benefit, as recent studies have shown that breastfed babies have 35% fewer illnesses than formula fed babies, resulting in a 27% decrease in the absence rate for their mothers. If you need to work, breastfeeding gives you the opportunity for special time with your baby after work and can help with the bonding and attachment process.
See: Working and Breastfeeding