Breastfeeding myth versus truth. I am so tired of my poor patients saying crazy stuff like, “I don't have milk yet” That is crazy talk for, “I didn't study up before the baby came.” Now, don't jump away, read and let me know what you think! I've already covered some of this in First Breastfeeding after birth doesn't always come easy. I find myself explaining to 75% of my patients that they have what they need. The baby comes out with a stomach the size of a cherry girl. I had a patient recently told me that her baby was just too hungry and she wasn't making enough to fill her. What in the world is happening on the outside of the hospital. I mean come on, we have Pinterest, and bloggers like me who are sharing their knowledge. Why Are women still believing lies about breastfeeding?
Why I am here and who I am:
Hey mama, I am Trish— AKA Labor Nurse Mama. I am a labor and delivery nurse with over 15 years of high-risk OB experience. I am also a mama to 7 kids and have given birth to 6. This means I am quite familiar with the postpartum period and how to navigate it. I am the online birth class educator for Calm Labor Confident Birth and The VBAC Lab birth classes and the mama expert inside our Calm Mama Society, a pregnancy & postpartum membership community! I am passionate about your birth and motherhood journey! You can find me over on IG teaching over 230k mamas daily. I am passionate about your birth and motherhood journey!
We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them. Click here for our full disclosure. Thank you!
Breastfeeding advice comes in all shapes and sizes, like nipples. Everyone is an expert, and everyone has something to say about something you are doing. When it comes to Breastfeeding advice, my advice is to choose your counsel wisely. If someones advice it starts with “__________ (insert relative name) had or did” be wary. Like Aunt Mary had tiny boobs so she never could breastfeed or Cousin Suzy tried the day she gave birth and couldn't breastfeed, so had to use a bottle” “Karen had a boob job so she couldn't breastfeed.” Bear with me and let's debunk some myths. 5 tips for Exclusively Pumping Moms 
Breastfeeding myth: Small breasts don't make enough milk
This is complete and under nonsense. The size of your breast does not decide the amount of milk you make. Your baby does! It's a supply and demand system. Your breasts will make what your baby needs. Related post: How Milk is Produced in the Breast
Breastfeeding Myth: Use both breasts for each feeding
This is so far from the truth. The truth is that the baby needs to empty the breast or nurse long enough to get to the golden stuff. The hindmilk is where all the goodness is. The hindmilk is where all the fat milk is and lends to weight gain. Do not switch too soon.
Breastfeeding Myth: If the baby wants to nurse all the time, it needs a pacifier.
No! Your baby may need comfort, but not from a pacifier. The baby sucking tells your breast to make more milk. If you use the pacifier to soothe the baby, guess what? Your breast may not get the message. Comfort the baby in your arms, and at times let the baby use your breast as comfort. I know, don't hate me. Babywearing is the way to go, try it now, it's life changing. I literally accomplished my whole day wearing Greyson. 
Related Post: Lie #2: Pacifiers are bad. BabyFriendly.org (regulate baby-friendly hospitals) recommend that mothers hold off on pacifiers until 3-4 weeks of age and breastfeeding is well established. First Breastfeeding After Birth Doesn’t Always Come Naturally
Breastfeeding Myth: Sore nipples are from a bad latch
OK, I may get into a touchy subject here. But I had great latches, and I had poor latches, and the result was the same. For the first few weeks of my little one's lives, my nipples felt like hell. I literally had to gasp for breath when they first latched on. I mean grip the chair and grind my teeth for like 5-6 seconds. Your nipple is soft and not callused. Thank God he didn't make them get hard and callused, that would be awful. Is your baby tongue tied? This can be a cause of sore nipples. Make sure you follow up if you think it's a possibility. Sometimes the pediatrician needs to clip the tongue, and sometimes it corrects itself.
Related Post: Tongue tie and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Myth: Soft breasts have no milk
I fell prey to this one on occasion. In the beginning, my breast was full and heavy. I felt accomplished. I knew they were full of milk and ready to go. Once my body leveled out, and my boobs felt soft and not dense, I would worry. Thank God I had a mom who supported breastfeeding. A soft breast usually means that the baby is meeting his demand and you're right on track. 
Breastfeeding Myth: My baby is hungry all the time; I'm not making enough milk
Most of the time this is not true, even if you think it is. There are several ways to know for sure. If your baby is fat, guess what you are making enough milk. Your baby probably isn't hungry all the time. She probably wants to suck on your breasts because she wuvs you and wants to be on you. You are her pacifier. How do you know you have enough milk?
-
baby is gaining weight
-
wet diapers and dirty diapers
-
swallowing heard
Related Posts: Do I have enough breastmilk?
I hope these few facts have debunked some of the breastfeeding myths you may have believed. Share with us some of the truths you've learned on your own breastfeeding journey. Check out this post about breastfeeding after a cesarean section.
Join our private Facebook group and grow with other moms. Join here now!
Just a little Disclaimer: As always, I am just writing my thoughts and what I’ve learned along the way. Although I am in fact a labor and delivery RN, This is not medical advice. You should always seek and follow the advice of your care provider.
This post may contain some affiliate links (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Thank you! For our full disclosure read here)
