Breastfeeding Myths

What’s Inside

Myth 1: If a mom has small breasts, she won’t have enough milk

Breast size has nothing to do with milk production. The ability to produce milk depends on the amount of glandular tissue in the breast, not the breast size itself, which is largely determined by the amount of fatty tissue. A woman with small breasts can produce enough milk to fully nourish her baby.

Milk supply is regulated by the principle of supply and demand: the more often the baby nurses effectively, the more milk is produced. It’s regular and proper latch, not breast size, that determines successful lactation.

Myth 2: There isn’t enough milk if the baby asks to nurse frequently

Frequent breastfeeding is normal infant behavior and not a sign of insufficient milk. Breast milk is digested easily and quickly — in about 60–90 minutes — so babies may want to nurse every 1–3 hours, or even more frequently.

True signs of insufficient intake include:

• Few wet diapers: fewer than 6–8 per day

• Poor weight gain: less than 125–150 g per week in the first 3–4 months

• Baby appears lethargic or, conversely, overly agitated and irritable

• Dry mucous membranes

Myth 3: A strict feeding schedule is necessary

Feeding on demand, rather than on a fixed schedule, aligns better with the baby's physiology. This approach supports individual needs and helps establish stable milk production.

Studies show that babies fed on demand:

• Gain weight better

• Are less likely to develop newborn jaundice

• Adapt more quickly to life outside the womb

Over time, most babies naturally develop a feeding routine that suits their needs.

Myth 4: Frequent nursing causes sore nipples

Sore nipples are usually caused not by frequent nursing but by an improper latch. With a correct latch, the nipple should be deep in the baby's mouth, reaching the soft palate, and most of the areola should also be in the baby’s mouth.

Signs of an incorrect latch:

• Pain during feeding

• Nipple appears flattened or misshapen after feeding

• Cracks or damage on the nipples

If you're experiencing nipple pain, consult a lactation specialist — they can help adjust the baby’s latch and feeding position.

Myth 5: You can't breastfeed with mastitis

Mastitis — inflammation of the breast, often with infection — is not a contraindication for breastfeeding. On the contrary, continuing to breastfeed can help speed recovery.

Recommendations for mastitis:

• Continue breastfeeding, starting with the affected breast

• Ensure the baby latches properly

• Nurse frequently

• Express milk after feeding if the breast still feels full

• Apply warm compresses before nursing to improve milk flow

• Take pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications compatible with breastfeeding if needed

Myth 6: Breast milk can be “bad” or “weak”

Breast milk is always tailored to your baby's needs. There’s no such thing as “bad” or “weak” milk. Its composition changes not only throughout the day but also within each feeding.

At the beginning of a feed, foremilk is more watery and rich in lactose, protein, and vitamins. Toward the end, hindmilk becomes fattier and more calorie-dense. Both are essential for a baby's nourishment.

Breast milk color may range from bluish to yellowish or even greenish (for example, if the mother eats many green vegetables) — this is normal and doesn’t affect the milk’s quality.

Myth 7: Moms need to strictly limit their diet if the baby has a food allergy

While some food components can enter breast milk and cause reactions in sensitive babies, strict diets are rarely necessary. Only 2–3% of breastfed babies have confirmed allergic reactions to foods their mother eats.

Before removing foods from your diet:

• Consult a doctor to confirm an allergy

• Keep a food and symptom diary

• Eliminate foods one at a time and monitor results

• Reintroduce eliminated foods after 2–4 weeks to check for reactions

Myth 8: After one year, breast milk loses its benefits

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continuing breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond — as long as it’s acceptable to both mother and child. Breast milk continues to evolve and meet the growing child’s needs.

Benefits of extended breastfeeding:

• Immune protection (breast milk contains antibodies that fight infections)

• Improved cognitive development

• Emotional comfort and sense of security

• Additional nutrients (especially important for picky eaters)

• Lower risk of obesity and other chronic conditions later in life

To establish successful breastfeeding, use specific feeding techniques

• Initiate breastfeeding in the first hours after birth. Skin-to-skin contact and nursing within 1–2 hours after delivery trigger oxytocin and prolactin production — the hormones responsible for milk production.

• Ensure a proper latch. Make sure your baby latches onto both the nipple and a large portion of the areola.

• Feed on demand. Respond to your baby’s hunger cues — don’t wait for them to cry.

• Allow full breast drainage. Let the baby empty one breast before offering the other.

• Take care of yourself. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, and get enough rest.

• Seek support from specialists and other moms. Reach out to lactation consultants or support groups if you encounter challenges.

Sources

• “Malnutrition”, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

• “Infant and young child feeding”, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

• “Infant and young child feeding”, UNICEF, https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/infant-and-young-child-feeding/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

• Eglash A, Simon L; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #8: Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Full-Term Infants, Revised 2017. Breastfeed Med. 2017 Sep;12(7):390-395. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2017.29047.aje. Epub 2017 Jun 29. Erratum in: Breastfeed Med. 2018 Jul/Aug;13(6):459. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2017.29047.aje.correx. PMID: 29624432. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29624432/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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• Kellams A, Harrel C, Omage S, Gregory C, Rosen-Carole C. ABM Clinical Protocol #3: Supplementary Feedings in the Healthy Term Breastfed Neonate, Revised 2017. Breastfeed Med. 2017 May;12:188-198. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2017.29038.ajk. Epub 2017 Mar 15. PMID: 28294631. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28294631/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

• Lawrence, R. A., & Lawrence, R. M. (2022). Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession (9th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323680134

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• Renfrew MJ, McCormick FM, Wade A, Quinn B, Dowswell T. Support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 May 16;5(5):CD001141. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001141.pub4. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Feb 28;2:CD001141. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001141.pub5. PMID: 22592675; PMCID: PMC3966266. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22592675/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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• Amir LH; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM clinical protocol #4: Mastitis, revised March 2014. Breastfeed Med. 2014 Jun;9(5):239-43. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2014.9984. PMID: 24911394; PMCID: PMC4048576. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4048576/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.