Struggling with Breastfeeding? Let’s Clear Up some of the Confusion

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We dive deep into common breastfeeding misconceptions that leave mothers feeling confused and inadequate, providing evidence-based facts to empower new parents on their feeding journey. The episode tackles seven persistent myths about breastfeeding and offers practical guidance for navigating challenges with confidence.

• Breastfeeding is a learned skill, not an instinct – 92% of moms face challenges in the first week
• Breast size has absolutely no impact on milk production capacity
• Frequent feeding and cluster feeding are normal behaviors, not signs of insufficient milk supply
• C-section births present unique challenges but don't prevent successful breastfeeding
• While breast milk contains unique components, formula is a safe, healthy option for babies who need it
• Working mothers can continue breastfeeding through pumping, partial nursing, or adjusted feeding schedules
• Initial discomfort is common when breastfeeding begins, but persistent pain requires professional evaluation

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or leave a review, and keep nurturing your beautiful journey of motherhood.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:08):
Hey Mamas, you're listening to Tend and Befriend,
a podcast about women's mentaland physical health.
This is Debra.
I'm a mom of two, a labor andbirth coach and birth advocate,
a health professional, and todayI'm your host.
Let's dive into today's episode.
Any information you hear orthat is suggested or recommended

(00:30):
on these episodes is notmedical advice.
Today we're diving into theworld of breastfeeding myths.
There are so manymisconceptions out there that
can leave mom feeling confusedor inadequate.
Let's bust some of the big onesso that you can feed your baby

(00:53):
with some confidence.
Let's start with a big one.
There's this pervasive myththat breastfeeding is an
instinct, that all moms andbabies just know how to do it.
And really the reality is thatbreastfeeding is a learned skill
on both of your parts.
In fact, a study published inPediatrics found that 92% of new

(01:14):
moms face breastfeedingchallenges in the very first
week.
Issues like latching problems,sore nipples, low milk supply
are common, but they're notinsurmountable.
The key to findingbreastfeeding easier, better or
more natural is support fromlactation consultants, doulas or
even an experienced friend.
So if you're struggling, itdoesn't mean you're failing.

(01:34):
It means that you're learning.
Another breastfeeding myth isthat you can't breastfeed if you
have small breasts.
Here's one that I hear a lot.
I have small breasts, so Iprobably won't be able to make
enough milk.
Let's just put that to rest.
The size of your breasts hasnothing, absolutely nothing to
do with how much milk you canproduce.

(01:54):
Milk supply is determined byglandular tissue, not the size
of your breasts.
Small breasts are just ascapable of feeding a baby that
is large as the larger ones.
In fact, milk production is allabout supply and demand.
The more your baby nurses, themore milk your body will make.
So don't let this myth shakeyour confidence.
Small boobs, big boobs they'reall magic when it comes to

(02:18):
nourishing your little one.
The next myth is if your babyfeeds often, that means you're
not producing enough milk.
Newborns have tiny stomachsabout the size of a cherry.
In the first few days they needto feed often to stay full and
signal your body to produce milkCluster.
Feeding those periods when yourbaby seems to be nursing

(02:40):
nonstop is completely normal andactually helps establish your
milk supply.
A study in the Journal of HumanLactation shows that frequent
nursing doesn't mean low supply.
It's simply how newborns growand thrive.
So if your baby wants to nurseevery hour, trust your body and
go with it.
The next myth is a really goodone you can't breastfeed if you

(03:01):
have a C-section or have had aC-section.
Some moms worry that a cesareanbirth will make breastfeeding
impossible, and while aC-section can present unique
challenges like delayed milkproduction or discomfort from
the incision, it absolutelydoesn't mean you can't
breastfeed.
Skin to skin contact as soon aspossible after delivery can
help get breastfeeding started,even in the operating room.

(03:24):
And if your milk takes a littlelonger to come in colostrum,
that nutrient-packed golden milkis all that your baby needs in
the first few days.
So don't hesitate to ask forextra support from your
hospital's lactation consultantto get that moving.
What we are finding more andmore in hospital births and with
cesarean births is thatbringing someone in to help you

(03:46):
in the recovery room whetherthat's a friend or a doula or a
lactation consultant that youbring in for just you can be
really, really beneficial forcesarean birth, because there's
someone to absolutely put babyto breast, even if mom is not
capable of holding or helping.
This one is formula is just asgood as breast milk, or that

(04:09):
breast milk is better thanformula.
And this is such a sensitivetopic, and let me be clear.
Formula is a safe and healthyoption for families who need or
choose it, but breast milk canbe uniquely designed for your
baby, containing antibodies,enzymes and hormones that
formula simply can't replicate.
According to the World HealthOrganization, breast milk

(04:29):
provides lifelong healthbenefits for both mom and baby,
including reduced risk ofinfections, allergies and
chronic conditions.
That said, this isn't aboutguilt.
It's about empowering you withthe information.
Whether you're breastfeeding,formula feeding or doing both,
you're feeding your baby withlove, and that's what matters
most.
Fed is best, not that breast isbest Fed A happy, fed baby is

(04:54):
best.
It's best for you, best forbaby, best for your family life.
Myth number six you have to stopbreastfeeding when you go back
to work.
Returning to work doesn't meanyour breastfeeding journey is
over.
Pumping at work is a great wayto maintain your milk supply and
provide breast milk for yourbaby while you're apart,
especially now.
Many workplaces are legallyrequired to provide time and

(05:16):
space for pumping, so be sure tofind out about that when you're
pregnant and to advocate forthat for yourself once you're
postpartum.
If pumping isn't an option,that's okay too.
You can nurse your baby beforeand after work, and your body
and your baby will adjust to thenew routine.
Remember that every drop ofbreast milk counts, whether
you're nursing full-time or justsupplementing.

(05:36):
The next myth is breastfeedingshouldn't hurt.
Let's talk about the pain ofbreastfeeding.
There's this idea that ifbreastfeeding hurts, you're
doing it wrong.
While pain isn't normal longterm, it's common in the early
days as your nipples adjust andyour baby learns to latch.
Proper positioning and latchtechniques can make a big

(05:58):
difference, and nipple creams orshields can provide relief
while you heal.
If pain persists, this is veryimportant.
Reach out to a lactationconsultant and they can
specifically identify issueslike tongue ties or latch
problems and help you findsolutions as to why that pain is
continuous or is happening.
But typically we've seen thatit shouldn't hurt for more than

(06:21):
a few seconds.
If it hurts for any longer thanthat, it's a sign that
something is incorrect.
And that's it for today'sepisode of T and befriend.
I hope busting thesebreastfeeding myths helps you
feel more confident and informedon your feeding journey.
Remember whether you'rebreastfeeding, pumping, formula
feeding or doing a combination,you're doing an amazing job

(06:44):
nourishing your baby.
Now, if you found this episodehelpful, please share it with a
friend or leave a review, anduntil next time, take care and
keep nurturing that beautifuljourney of motherhood.
Talk to you soon.
Talk to you soon.
Okay, let's talk soon.