By: Julie Casillas, Registered Dietitian/IBCLC/Breastfeeding Coordinator at WIC

Breastmilk – no other food is better for an infant’s growth and development. To help encourage and support our clients, family and friends it is important to be “in the know” about breastfeeding. Here are some common myths and facts to help sort out what is true or not:

Myth: Many women don’t produce enough breastmilk
Fact: The vast majority of women produce more than enough breastmilk. If the baby is not getting enough breastmilk and not emptying the breast because s/he is latched incorrectly or sleeping at the breast then the mother’s milk supply can be affected.

Myth: Mom complains breasts don’t feel full so she can’t breastfeed
Fact: Breasts don’t have to feel full to produce plenty of breastmilk. It’s normal for a breastfeeding mom to feel less full as her body adjusts to her baby’s milk intake. This can happen as early as two weeks after birth or earlier. The breasts are never empty and don’t need a certain amount of time to refill.

Myth: It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt
Fact: Although some tenderness during the first few days can be common, the discomfort should be temporary; a mom should never dread breastfeeding because it hurts too much. Incorrect latch is usually the problem and should not be ignored. Limiting feeding time does not prevent soreness. Mom should call her delivery hospital or WIC.

Myth: Women with small breasts produce less milk
Fact: Breast size has no affect on milk production; production is determined by demand and the baby emptying the breast to produce more milk.

Myth: Mom is on medication, so no breastfeeding
Fact: There are few medications that a mom can’t take while breastfeeding. Mom needs to be encouraged to talk with her doctor, delivery hospital, and/or WIC.

Myth: A breastfeeding mother needs to watch her diet carefully
Fact: All a breastfeeding mom needs to do is eat a balanced diet. Her milk will never suffer or be inadequate if her diet isn’t perfect.

Myth: A mom needs to drink a lot of milk to make a lot of milk
Fact: Drinking milk or other fluids doesn’t make milk. Removal of milk from the breast makes milk. A mom needs to drink fluids to satisfy her thirst.

Myth: Breastfeeding needs to stop when the mom is sick
Fact: Continued breastfeeding is best for baby’s protection and getting mom’s antibodies to fight the illness.