Myths and Misconceptions about Breastfeeding

Research has taken great leaps in the last 5-10 years. Often things that older generations were told about breastfeeding have been drastically changed after thorough research. Some very well meaning advice can also be very wrong.

10 Minutes on each side

This is now known to be wrong advice. The latest advice is to feed for as long as baby wants (demand feed) and to allow baby to finish feeding on one side before feeding on the other.

Big babies need top-ups!

If a baby is allowed to feed as frequently as they want then a mother will make as much milk as is needed. Artificial “top-up” feeds can and will interfere with this natural process.

You don’t have enough milk!

Often growth spurts are seen as signs of insufficient milk supply (see page 6). At key stages a suddenly hungry baby is actually letting Mum know it’s time to make more milk, If Mum demand feeds through this and avoids artificially “topping up” then her supply will respond.

Mastitis means to stop feeding

It used to be thought that Mastitis meant you must stop feeding through the affected breast. It has since been found that a mastitis affected breast should be fed from as often as possible to allow the milk to flow and for the best chance of shifting the inflammation. In fact, if a breast with mastitis isn’t fed from then the mastitis will more than likely get worse.

Your partner will be excluded

Dads sometimes feel as though breastfeeding is excluding them from their baby. There are so many ways that a new father can feel close to their baby and knowing that their baby is getting the very best start in life can offer much reassurance.

Skin to skin contact between Dad and baby is great - A baby will often settle really well on Dad’s chest and both will feel close as it is a very special time between Dad and baby.

Dads can help with baths, nappies, baby massage as well as bringing drinks for Mum. Cuddles, baths & nappies are very important in forming a close parental relationship. Mum can try expressing (once breastfeeding is established) and dad can feed from a cup or bottle.

Babies grow very quickly and the time for weaning comes round in a very short 6 months, Dad can be ready to help with the first purees and solid foods. Dad can take baby for a walk in the pram for one to one time and rest time for Mum.

Remember that breastfeeding is the most nourishing and natural way to feed a baby and your support will be an invaluable part of the process.