Addressing Myths About Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented. It helps promote the bond between the mother and baby, and it provides the baby with important nutrients and antibodies that promote health and protect against infection. It also lowers the mother’s risk of developing certain diseases, like breast and ovarian cancers, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. Still, even with all we know about breastfeeding, misinformation surrounding the practice persists, based on old wives’ tales and social media myths. Here, we’ll separate fact from fiction, dispelling common misconceptions

A mother breastfeeding her baby highlighting the topic of breastfeeding myths in San Diego, CA

Myth 1: Breastmilk Doesn’t Have All the Nutrients a Baby Needs

In fact, breastmilk is perfectly designed to give the baby all of the essential nutrients necessary for good health. Breastfed babies receive hormones and antibodies that help prevent illness, resulting in lower rates of asthma, obesity, ear and respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal distress. Breastmilk starts out as colostrum, sometimes called “liquid gold” that nourishes a newborn perfectly, and as the baby grows, the breastmilk changes to meet evolving needs and promote healthy growth.

Myth 2: Breastfeeding Changes the Shape of Your Breasts

Your breasts may sag after you’ve had a baby, but the breastfeeding is not to blame. Pregnancy loosens the ligaments in the body, including the breasts, and this can result in sagging. The shape and size of a woman’s breasts will change throughout her lifetime, depending on age, genetics, number of pregnancies, and other factors, but breasts often return to normal once the baby is weaned.

Myth 3: You Must Change Your Diet Drastically to Breastfeed

Many women think they must stick to a strict breastfeeding diet, but this is not the case. It is important to eat a nutrient-dense diet, packed with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for your milk supply, and so is eating enough food. It’s best not to focus too much on losing weight while breastfeeding, concentrating instead on the quality of your diet and the nutrients you are supplying to your baby. Does breastfeeding make you lose weight? Not necessarily. While some women find that they lose weight while nursing, most find that they hang on to some extra weight when they are breastfeeding, and that they tend to be hungry. It’s best not to worry too much about losing the baby weight until breastfeeding is well established, around two months, and then work on taking the weight off slowly. Aside from taking in the proper nutrients, you might need adjust your diet around your baby’s digestion. You might wonder what foods cause gas in breastfed babies, and how does spicy food affect breast milk, but the truth is that not all infants are sensitive to the same things. Pay attention to your child’s reactions to your breastmilk, so that you can be aware of any sensitivities, and adjust as needed.

Myth 4: Breastfeeding Prevents Pregnancy

Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? In some women, breastfeeding delays or stops ovulation, and this is why many women believe they can’t get pregnant. Women who don’t have periods while they are nursing can follow specific guidelines to avoid pregnancy, but there is no guarantee that it won’t happen. If it doesn’t prevent pregnancy, can you breastfeed while pregnant, or do you need to stop once you find out a new little one is on the way? Many women breastfeed while pregnant, and even nurse a newborn and toddler at the same time, which is referred to as “tandem nursing.”

Myth 5: It’s Normal to Have Pain While Breastfeeding

This depends on the mom’s definition of pain. A tugging sensation is normal, and breastfeeding may feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but it shouldn’t actually hurt. Trying different positions while breastfeeding may alleviate pain, but if discomfort continues, consult a lactation consultant.

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At Advanced Functional Medicine, an integrated medical clinic, we exclusively practice functional medicine. Providing holistic care for women’s bodies and minds, we offer solutions for female reproductive health and beyond, caring for women’s minds and bodies instead of simply treating symptoms. Our whole body approach to medicine utilizes all-natural, researched-based nutritional approaches to optimize the body’s natural healing abilities, rather than just using medication to treat symptoms. While women often face challenges when seeking healthcare, we emphasize the entire mind and body, offering complete care for females. No matter where you are in your reproductive journey, we will provide you with the comprehensive care you need to thrive. To schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help restore your health and strengthen your body’s unique physiological functions, call 858-500-5572 or contact us through our website.