6 Breastfeeding Myths Debunked
In a world full of well-meaning advice and strong opinions about how Mommy should feed me, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. As her tiny, curious bundle of joy, I’ve overheard many conversations about breastfeeding myths that can make any new parent second-guess their decisions. That’s why I’m here to help clear up the misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding myths and shed light on what really matters.
In the early weeks of my life, Mommy felt that I needed a little something extra, and she began to supplement my diet with a bit of formula. It wasn’t a choice she made on doctor’s orders. Mommy simply did what she felt I needed. A bit of formula made both of us feel much better, and within a few weeks we were able to make the transition to breast milk alone.
Formula solved the problems we were dealing with, but there are people who criticize us for using it. When speaking to these people, it has become apparent that the push for breastfeeding has caused misconceptions in some people’s minds. So let’s dive into the six biggest breastfeeding myths and set the record straight, one baby step at a time.
Myth # 1: Babies are born knowing how to nurse.
Babies are born with the rooting reflex, not with the understanding of what nursing is or how it is done. The rooting reflex causes newborn babies to turn their heads towards their mothers and to make sucking motions with their mouth. As a result, they are usually able to figure out how to nurse.
This learning process takes time and practice. Sometimes it doesn’t go according to plan, and mothers may encounter challenges such as difficulty latching, low milk supply, or nipple pain. Remember, every baby is different, and it’s okay to ask for help or adjust your feeding strategy as needed.
Myth # 2: Breastfeeding is a beautiful moment between mother and child.
Breastfeeding can be wonderful, but it is also hard work and requires practice. The first few weeks are generally quite painful for most women, as breastfed newborns need to eat almost constantly, and it takes time for mother and baby to find their rhythm. For some it’s just not meant to be.
There are many factors that can impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed, such as medical conditions, insufficient milk supply, or difficulty latching. Breastfeeding is a personal decision that should not be judged or criticized. Whether a mother chooses to breastfeed, formula feed, or a combination of both, the most important thing is that the baby is healthy and loved.
Myth #3: You can’t bond with your baby if you don’t breastfeed.
Your baby will love you no matter what. Love is not contingent on breastfeeding, or even feeding in general. If it was, you would be in love with your refrigerator.
The hormones released during breastfeeding, such as prolactin and oxytocin, help strengthen the bond between mother and baby. Breastfeeding is a way to strengthen the bond between mother and baby, but it is not the only way. Spending time with your baby, cuddling, playing, and caring for them are all important ways to build a strong bond.
It is important for mothers to remember that their love and care for their baby goes far beyond how they choose to feed them. So whether you breastfeed or not, the most important thing is the love and care you provide for your little one.
Myth # 4: Milk = Good, Formula = Bad
Breast milk is incredibly nutrient-rich, containing antibodies, proteins, and minerals that are essential for a baby’s health. However, formula is also a perfectly safe and healthy alternative for babies whose mothers are unable to breastfeed for any reason. Ultimately, both breast milk and formula can provide the necessary nutrients for a baby to thrive.
It is true that mother’s milk is the healthiest food for a baby, but formula isn’t poison. There are many instances where formula is beneficial. If an infant isn’t putting on weight quickly enough on breast milk alone, adding some formula to their diet can help. For babies who are diagnosed with jaundice, feeding formula alongside milk can help clear it up faster. All the benefits of breast milk are not erased by adding formula to a baby’s diet.
Myth # 5: If you feed formula, your milk supply will diminish.
Milk production works on supply and demand. The more you remove, the more you will make. Feeding formula and allowing milk to be reabsorbed will ultimately decrease the supply. However, if you’re already not making enough milk, it is silly to allow your baby to starve while you stress about your supply.
If you or your baby are struggling, you can feed your hungry baby some formula without any guilt. Milk supply issues can be addressed in other ways. Look into other methods of getting that milk out, such as using a breast pump, so that you can work on your supply while still feeding your baby.
Myth # 6: If you don’t breastfeed, you don’t love your baby.
Breastfeeding is not proof of love. There are many reasons why a woman may not breastfeed and none of them make her any less of a mother. Breastfeeding is a personal matter, and nobody has the right to pass judgment.
As I lay here in Mommy’s loving arms, I’m filled with gratitude for the thoughtful choices she makes every day. By addressing these breastfeeding myths, I hope we’ve shed light on the realities of feeding a baby and provided some reassurance to new parents. Debunking these breastfeeding myths is important, not only for Mommy but for all the other parents out there who may be feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice.
Remember, every baby’s journey is unique, and what works for one family might not work for another. Whether it’s breast milk, formula, or a combination of both, the most important thing is that we are happy and healthy. Let’s embrace the fact that love, care, and nourishment can come in many forms, and every parent’s decision deserves respect and support.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for understanding that every feeding journey is a deeply personal one.
As a twin mom I just found breastfeeding too difficult, and my babies lost too much weight. We moved to exclusively formula feeding which I thought I was OK with until people asked me if I was breastfeeding. You find yourself frantically explaining why not… I shouldn’t have to justify my choices!! They’re nearly a year now so I’m over the judgements but it is difficult when they’re little! #SharingtheBlogLove
I have found that being a mom (and probably being a dad too), it’s so easy to feel not good enough. Even though I try so hard to be the best mom I can , I’m always wondering if I’m doing enough for Peachy. It’s so easy to judge others but I wonder if people realize how quickly doubts and insecurities can creep in. We should really consider being more supportive and realize that nobody can do it all. We’re all doing the best we can for our little ones and contrary to what the little voices in our heads like to tell us, we are good enough. Thanks for reading.
very touching, my supply wasn’t great and I struggled with breastfeeding. I heard a lot these myth and unfortunately I also felt extremely judged for giving my baby formula. he survived and now is one years old. I feel like mothers should do what is best for them and their babies, there is so much pressure to breastfeed #sharingthebloglove
There is a lot of pressure to breastfeed. It feels like they know breastfeeding is hard so they try to force women to do it by making them feel like total failures if the don’t. We only supplemented formula for a while and I still felt extremely judged and looked down upon. It got the the point where I was convinced that I missed some critical bonding opportunity, that my baby would never love me the same way, and that any issues we’ve had with breastfeeding since then are entirely due to my failure as a mother in those early days when I supplemented breastmilk with formula. All those people judging me have broken my brain!
I know what you mean especially when you are a first time mum you feel terrible if you don’t have a smooth or successful breastfeeding journey. best of luck to you and your little peach xx
The whole how you feed your baby debate drives me mad. Parents make their choices for themselves and their babies and everyone should respect that decision. There is no right or wrong. I breastfed both my girls exclusively for 8 weeks and then due to several different reasons, the babies weight, my supply I did dual feeding with both breast and formula. The alternative would have been dangerous for my girls. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
Our problems happened the other way around. For the first month or so, my milk wasn’t enough for Peachy. I don’t even think it was a supply issue but a composition problem. I know the milk takes a few days to come in and that in the early days it’s not very filling. In my case, the milk came in but the composition didn’t change fast enough. It had no fat in it and after few days of exclusive breastfeeding, Peachy was famished. That wasn’t helping clear up the jaundice and she was getting discouraged by the whole eating business since it never satisfied her. She started refusing to eat after just a few sucks. I began pumping and bottle feeding, which was easier for her and she would eat, but she would still cry all the time that she’s hungry. I started mixing half milk and half formula. That’s when the crying stopped and the jaundice cleared up. Eventually my milk changed and we were able to leave the formula behind. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I would also add that the pressure that we put on weight gain can put so much pressure on new mothers. I know that I felt this massively with my son, who was slow to put on weight, and dropped down the centiles from his birth weight. After about 5 months I started supplementing his feeds with formula, topping up by about 3oz every feed. Of course, he would regularly throw this back up, as he just couldn’t fit it in his stomach, but I persisted for a while as I was just so worried that he wasn’t putting on more weight. Even at 2.5 years old, he’s still a very small child for his age, but that’s just him. But I didn’t have the confidence in myself and my gut feelings to trust that we were doing ok. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
The problem is that our little ones can’t tell us if something is wrong. Slow weight gain doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, but it could be a sign of a serious issue and that’s why it needs to be looked at. In your case it may have been needless worrying, but for others it leads to life saving intervention. Thanks for dropping by.
Well said, peachy 🙂 but I started a support group to help mother’s that can’t, and not make it overwhelming 🙂 I donate milk to mothers in the group that don’t have a supply or can’t breastfeed because of work. I think nothing less of them 🙂 it’s a choice.
It is a choice. Good for you for trying to help out. Thanks for visiting.
Oh and you’re totes adore 😍
Thank you 🙂