Stop Believing In These 9 Breastfeeding Myths
What's true, and what's not? Two experts help us separate fact from fiction
By Vanessa Tai -
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If you are a nursing mum, you’ll know that few topics spark as much controversy and confusion as breastfeeding. For generations, myths and misconceptions about this natural process have been passed down, not to mention the often-conflicting advice found on message boards, which can leave modern mothers puzzled and misinformed.
In this article, we speak to two experts who help to debunk these age-old myths and unveil the truth behind breastfeeding.
Meet our experts:
From left to right: Ong Hui Tze (OHT), an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and founder of My Milkie Way, and Eliza Koo (EK), a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor at the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (Singapore) (BMSG).
Myth 1: If I have small breasts, it means I will produce less milk.
False!
OHT: “A woman’s breast has three kinds of tissue – the fibrous tissue holds the breast tissue in place, the glandular tissue is the part of the breast that makes milk, and the fatty tissue fills the space between the fibrous tissue and glandular tissue. This is the tissue that gives breasts their size. Mums with small breasts can still produce a lot of milk if she has sufficient glandular tissue.
In turn, a mum with large breasts but little glandular tissue may not be able to produce enough milk.”
Myth 2: Placing cabbage on my breasts helps reduce the pain from breastfeeding.
Credit: Getty
It depends!
EK: “Cabbage leaves have historically been recommended as a home remedy to bring down engorgement, which frequently happens during the first few weeks after giving birth or when mothers are in oversupply. However, cabbage leaves need to be cleaned thoroughly as they may contain the bacteria listeria, which can lead to infections. Instead, if mothers are experiencing pain from engorgement, use cold compresses — like clean towels placed in the freezer in a ziplock bag or a cold pack wrapped with a thin cloth — on the breasts to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.”
Myth 3: Taking supplements like fenugreek or milk thistle can help improve my milk supply.
It depends!
OHT: “According to Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), both milk thistle and fenugreek are known galactogogues (substances used to induce, maintain and increase milk production), and are usually included in herbal supplements touted to increase milk supply. However, nobody can guarantee if they will definitely increase milk supply. If you are facing an issue with your milk supply, it is best to work with an IBCLC to make sure you are removing milk adequately and check for any other physiological reasons that could affect your milk supply.”
Myth 4: Breastfeeding will make my breasts sag.
Credit: Getty
False!
OHT: “Although many may blame breastfeeding for causing their breasts to droop, there are other factors that could affect, such as number of pregnancies, genetics, weight gain/loss, smoking history, bra support, and so on. In fact, the breasts may sag even if the mum does not breastfeed.”
EK: “Studies have shown that pregnancy loosens up the ligaments around the body to prepare for childbirth and that also causes breasts to sag. Breastfeeding isn't the culprit here.”
Myth 5: Breastfeeding will make my breasts smaller.
False!
OHT: “During pregnancy and breastfeeding, our breasts undergo significant changes due to hormonal changes and milk production. Ligaments and tissues in the breasts are affected too. Hence some mums may feel their breasts shrank after weaning. However, the size and shape of our breasts are affected by many other factors besides breastfeeding.”
EK: “There are no studies or research to prove this to be true. Breast size changes during and after pregnancy, and many mums report that their breasts return to pre-pregnancy size after weaning.”
Myth 6: It’s normal for the nipples to feel sore and painful during breastfeeding so I should just grin and bear it.
Credit: Getty
False!
OHT: “Breastfeeding should not be painful or cause nipples to bleed or crack, although the nipples may feel very sensitive in the early weeks. If you are experiencing pain throughout an entire feeding session, or your nipples change shape after a feeding session, please seek help to check on latching and positioning.”
Myth 7: I should stop breastfeeding if I’m sick.
False!
OHT: “In many cases, mums do not need to stop breastfeeding. The antibodies that are produced by your body while you are sick may be present in your breast milk, and in turn, help build your baby's defence against the illness. If you are unsure whether you can continue breastfeeding, speak with a breastfeeding-friendly health professional.”
Myth 8: I need to drink more milk in order to produce more milk.
Credit: Getty
False!
EK: “The breasts work by demand and supply. The more milk is removed from the breasts, the more milk the breasts will make. There is no need to drink more milk to make milk as there is no correlation. Instead, mums should drink and eat adequately to prevent feeling depleted when breastfeeding since breastmilk production takes up the mother's nutritional reserves. However, breast milk is always made in perfect compositions.”
Myth 9: I need to change my diet to produce fattier milk.
False!
EK: “The breasts take whatever they need from the mother’s blood to make milk in perfect constituents for the baby. Mums can eat a generally wholesome diet and make milk that is suited for their babies. The amazing thing about breast milk is that it grows with your baby's age and developmental phases.”
For more information, you can reach out to BMSG’s via their phone hotline at +65 6339 3558, WhatsApp them here, or find out more at their website.