Breastfeeding Myths People Actually Believe

You may have heard that "breast is best", but that message may have been accompanied by some pretty weird beliefs. Do you believe any of these common breastfeeding myths? It's time to stop! 

Baby Not Gaining Weight In A Textbook Way? Your Milk Is To Blame!

Is your baby in the fifth percentile, hasn't gained very much since the last weigh-in, or just looks like a slim little thing? Many people — including, sometimes, your pediatrician — will be quick to suggest your breast milk as the culprit, and formula as the solution. Perhaps there isn't "enough fat in your milk", you "don't have enough milk" or "your baby is a bad nurser". The old wives' tale that breast milk sucks (excuse the pun) is so common that you may be quick to fall for it. 

Research suggests that breastfed babies and formula-fed babies have different growth patterns. While they start off with very similar growth patterns, that all changes between four and six months. Formula-fed babies gain weight more quickly at that point. The interesting thing? The average length and head circumference stay similar in both groups.

Remember that the "average" baby — the 50th percentile one — is a very rare specimen indeed.

Someone has to be in the fifth percentile. That's OK, even if the baby happens to be exclusively breastfed.

A baby's weight gain or lack thereof can be completely normal. The important thing is that the baby is either gaining weight or staying at the same weight for a little while, but not losing any. (Wait a second. Other things, like whether your baby is content and meeting developmental milestones, are even more important.)

Are you a breastfeeding mom who has been subjected to comments about your baby's weight? You may comforted by the fact that formula-fed babies are more prone to obesity later in life than their breastfed peers, who are also often encouraged to drink that last bit of milk out of the bottle even if they're not hungry anymore. Their suck reflex makes it nearly impossible for them not to. Nursing requires a conscious effort on the other hand, so forcing a breastfed baby to nurse more than they want is really not going to happen.

When should you be concerned? If your baby is losing weight, cries a lot, or does not have a sufficient number of wet and dirty diapers, you should discuss your options with your pediatrician.

Crying Babies Must Be Hungry

All babies cry at least a little, and some babies cry a lot. Why do babies cry? Well, there really aren't millions of reasons. They may be too hot, too cold, have a wet or dirty diaper, or have some other physical discomfort. They may be in pain, they may crave human interaction and want to be held, they may be tired, or they may be hungry. Those things roughly sum it up. Sometimes, though, the reason for which a baby cries is not readily identifiable. In such cases, if the baby is breastfed, it's not uncommon to suggest the baby is hungry because mom doesn't have enough milk and is hungry, or the milk isn't good enough. 

See Also: Facts On Breastfeeding And Human Milk

In some cases, problems with breast milk really are responsible for crying. Food allergies could lead to such a reaction, for instance. Jumping to the conclusion that formula will fix everything is not a good idea, though. More than one of my friends switched to formula only to discover their baby still cried all the time. Then, the ped would suggest a different formula. Before you fall in this trap, remember that some babies "simply" cry a lot (colic).

Moms who are going crazy from all the crying can, of course, try formula if that is what they really want, but they should be aware that it may not help. Babies who cry lots and lots are intense and can really take a toll on their parents' mental health, because of the worries, sleep deprivation, and just listening to the sound of crying. If you're currently in that boat, big hugs to you.

Lies About Breastfeeding You Should Quit Believing

Baby Should Wean At Six Months

Breastfeeding really isn't unusual in the United States: in 2011, 79 percent of all babies nursed for at least a while. Only half are still breastfed at six months, the age at which solid foods are typically introduced. A mere 18.8 percent were still exclusively breastfed, meaning the baby only consumes breast milk and nothing else. At three months, 40.7 percent was exclusively breastfed, while 26.7 percent of babies still breastfed at all at one year.

Still, there's a lot of weirdness around nursing. You've probably heard most of these things, and may agree with some:

• Moms should not breastfeed in public, should nurse in the restroom if people are around, or should cover themselves up with blankets
• Breastfed babies should but put on a feeding schedule, just like formula-fed babies
• Breasts are primarily sexual
• Nursing typically takes more physical effort and time than formula feeding
• Breastfeeding for prolonged periods of time is creepy

You may have seen Little Britain's grown-up nurser asking for "bitty" wherever he went, including at his wedding. That would be creepy, but it's not going to happen. A one-year old nursing is hardly the same as a breastfed college student! The World Health Organization says two years is the optimal duration for breastfeeding, and that solids should be introduced at six months. Don't feel the need to wean at six months if you don't want to, because your child will still benefit from your milk if you continue.

Breastfeeding Makes You Lose That Pregnancy Weight

Breastfeeding has been shown to have quite a few health benefits, including a lower risk of eczema, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and urinary tract infections for the baby. Moms aren't left behind either, as breastfeeding reduces a woman's risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The longer a woman continues breastfeeding, the more those risks go down. Breastfeeding is not a magical solution to everything, however. Now that we've gone through a few of the most important breastfeeding myths that paint nursing in a negative light, it's only fair to look at the other side too. 

Yes, breastfeeding burns about 300-500 calories a day. That may contribute to weight loss after pregnancy, but not really by that much. Will those baby pounds just drop off if you nurse, even if you eat whatever you want and don't exercise? No, of course not! Most moms will find it takes a bit more than breastfeeding to return to their pre-pregnancy weight.

See Also: Safe Ways To Lose Weight While Breastfeeding

Never drop below 1500-1800 calories a day though, as you could be putting your health at risk. Do feel free to exercise. 

Breast Is Always Best, No Matter What

Breastfeeding is a bad idea if you have HIV. A very bad idea. It's also a bad idea if you're on certain medications, if breastfeeding hurts so much it's making you miserable and you can't figure out how to make the pain go away even with a lactation consultant, or if you simply don't want to breastfeed. Breastfeeding has benefits, but breast is not best in all circumstances. That's why is so awesome that formula exists.