Written by: Jane Daum; SLU Dietetic Intern
*disclaimer: I will be including chestfeeding when discussing breastfeeding and breastfeeding mother/mothers refers to a lactating women or person*
If you have received any type of education about pregnancy and/or postpartum, it is likely that you have heard the term “breast is best” and to put it simply, feeding your baby with the milk your body made is a pretty special thing. While breastfeeding seems like a thing that should be human nature, it can actually be quite challenging and confusing but hopefully this blog will help clear up any misconceptions you might have about breastfeeding!
Breast milk is a perfectly crafted beverage made specifically for a growing infant and if possible, babies should be exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life, a fact that the CDC, AAP, and WHO all agree on. Now, within the United States there is a large percentage of mothers who believe they actually cannot breastfeed but in fact, it is very rare a maternal contraindication would cause a mother not be able to breastfeed their baby. So, if you’re ready, let's bust some myths!
1) If a breastfeeding mother consumes alcohol, they should pump and dump….. If drinking in moderation, pumping and dumping might not be necessary. Four hours after consuming 1-2 standard drinks, the alcohol will be flushed out of your system and not present within the breast milk, making it safe for your baby. To reduce wasting the milk your body worked so hard to make and you took the time and effort to pump, try to plan your drinks around your baby's feeding schedule. Feeding your baby and then enjoying wine with friends, your baby will be content until its next feed and no milk will be tossed down the drain!
2) I cannot breastfeed if I have *insert medical condition*….. Unless diagnosis includes human T-cell lymphotropic virus, untreated brucellosis, ebola , HIV or if your baby has galactosemia, breastfeeding is possible. It is a common belief that if a mother has hepatitis C or herpes they cannot breastfeed but actually if symptoms are managed, breastfeeding is a safe option. In relation to Hepatitis C, management includes checking to ensure the nipple is not cracked, if the nipple is cracked do not feed on that nipple and check to see if the other is usable. Similarly, if there is a herpes flare on the nipple do not feed from that nipple and check the other one. Mothers who are malnourished can also breastfeed but milk supply might be affected. Always consult your doctor about concerns relating to breastfeeding and medical conditions.
3) Breastfeeding will come naturally to your baby but it will always hurt you in the beginning…. Not always. Breastfeeding will be a learning experience for both you and your baby so do not get discouraged if feeds aren’t going well. In these cases, ask your doctor about seeing a lactation consultant and what they can do to help. Also ask your gynecologist or lactation consultant about safe products that will aid in side effects that occur while breastfeeding.
4) “Once I hit 6 months I should stop breastfeeding”..... Breastfeed can be continued up to 2 years and is recommended. After the 6 month mark, instead of taking away breast milk add in complementary foods to support your baby's growth and nutrition needs.
5) Formula feeding your baby makes you a bad parent…. Absolutely not. If a mother has the ability to breastfeed or pump, it is recommended that breastmilk is given but every person’s body is different and sometimes breastfeeding is not the correct option for a mother and baby. Breastfeeding can lead to painful complications like mastitis, workplaces/communities might not be accepting of pumping or public feedings and proper resources may not be available.
Breast milk is an amazing thing that when given to babies can help build their immune systems, expose them to common allergens, give them all the macros and micro nutrients they need and even help their sleep cycle but getting the breastmilk is not a simple task. Which is unfortunate because breast milk also has health benefits for mom like decreasing risk for ovarian and breast cancer. So during the birth to feeding process though, it is very important that all mothers feel supported, respected and safe. This can be done by asking what they would like to be referred to as (for example, mommy or birthing parent), if they feel comfortable having their chest exposed and asking about your concerns/feeding plan. Once the birthing parent feels comfortable and supported, discussing the importance of breastfeeding and encouraging them to put their bodies through the breastfeeding process will be more effective.
At the end of the day though, the most important thing is having a fed baby, whether they are fed by breast milk or formula. If you’re a parent and your baby is full of calories, you’re doing a pretty great job.
References
Breast milk is best. Breast Milk Is Best | Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021, December 8). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breastfeeding-your-baby/breast-milk-is-the-best-milk
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 3). Why it matters. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/about-breastfeeding/why-it-matters.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 24). Proper storage and preparation of breast milk. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, March 2). Contraindications to breastfeeding or feeding expressed breast milk to infants. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/contraindications-to-breastfeeding.html
Meek, J. (n.d.). Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Publications.aap.org. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057988/188347/Policy-Statement-Breastfeeding-and-the-Use-of?autologincheck=redirected%3FnfToken
Raymond, J. L., Morrow, K., Mahan, L. K., & Krause, M. V. (2023). Krause and Mahan's food and the Nutrition Care Process (15th ed.). Elsevier.
Wisner, W. (2022, June 13). 30 myths about breastfeeding and the truth you need to know. Healthline. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-myths
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