We’ve officially celebrated one year of breastfeeding and during that year, I’ve encountered so many myths and misconceptions about nursing.  It still amazes me that one of the most natural functions of the female body is so controversial and so misunderstood.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had to debunk many of these myths for myself as well as for friends and family.  Here are nine breastfeeding myths and the truth behind them.

9 Breastfeeding Myths and Misconceptions

Breastfeeding Myth #1: Breastfeeding is Easy

Um… no, it’s not.  Breastfeeding is HARD and it doesn’t always come naturally.  Yes, it gets so much easier over time, but those first few weeks can be extremely difficult.  Between latching issues, engorgement, cluster feeding, and just trying to figure out what the heck you’re doing, breastfeeding is tough!  Doing a little research and having a better idea of what to expect can completely change the game.  If you’re looking for the ins and outs on all things breastfeeding, I highly recommend the online breastfeeding course, Milkology!  Get all your breastfeeding questions answered and prepare to nurse your newborn with an online, self guided course.  Milkology completely prepares you for the difficult (and wonderful) world of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Myth #2: Pain is Normal

Some nipple pain and pain from engorgement is normal at the very beginning (and I mean very beginning), but breastfeeding should not hurt after the first two weeks.  If there is continued nipple pain, it can typically be attributed to a poor latch.  Stock up on lots of this stuff beforehand and meet with a lactation consultant if breastfeeding continues to be painful.

Breastfeeding Myth #3: Breast Size Matters

Just because you have smaller breasts or your breasts didn’t get any bigger during pregnancy doesn’t mean you won’t make enough milk to feed your little one.  The size of your milk makers has nothing to do with your ability to feed your baby.

Breastfeeding Myth #4: The Amount of Milk you Pump is Equal to the Amount of Milk Baby gets while Nursing

No, no, no.  I wish I could scream this one from the rooftops.  So many moms can only pump a small amount of milk and it makes them believe that their babies are only getting a small amount of milk while nursing.  This is not the case.  If your baby is gaining weight, making wet and dirty diapers, and seems satisfied after a feed, you’re making enough milk (no matter what you’re able to pump).  Our babies are so much more efficient than a pump and many women’s bodies just don’t respond well to a machine.  If you want to learn more about pumping and how to get the most out of every session, check out one of my most popular posts here.

Breastfeeding Myth #5: You can Overfeed a Breastfed Baby

Great news for all you breastfeeding moms that constantly have a baby attached to your boob!  It’s normal and you cannot overfeed your baby.  Babies breastfeed when they’re hungry, when they’re thirsty, and sometimes, just for comfort.  Babies naturally stop eating when they are full (unlike some of us adults), so don’t worry about overfeeding.  Growth spurts and cluster feeding can lead a mom to believe that her baby is overeating, but these things are completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Breastfeeding Myth #6: You Need a Giant Freezer Stash

I fell victim to this myth.  I thought I needed a huge freezer stash because I saw other moms with huge freezer stashes.  It’s great to have some pumped milk for when you return to work or want to leave the house without baby, but having hundreds of ounces of breast milk is not a necessity.  You can learn more about building a freezer stash here.

Breastfeeding Myth #8: You have to Pump and Dump

Guess what!  Breastfeeding moms are allowed to have a drink now and then without having to pump their milk and dump it down the drain.  Alcohol leaves your milk just as it leaves your blood, so there is no such thing as contaminating your milk (thus needing to pump and dump).  Here’s the other thing, “in general, if you are sober enough to drive, you are sober enough to breastfeed, “ (Kellymom).  If you’re ever concerned about the amount of alcohol in your breast milk and want to give yourself some peace of mind, you can get these test strips.  Otherwise, be smart, and error on the side of caution when it comes to having a drink and feeding your baby.  You can get the whole scoop on alcohol and breast milk here.

Breastfeeding Myth #9: Breastfeeding is a Guaranteed Form of Birth Control

While breastfeeding can work as a form of contraception, it’s only effective under certain conditions; If your baby is under six months old, your period has not returned, and you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby on demand, both day and night (every 4 – 6 hours).  If you’re looking to use LAM (Lactational Amenorrhea Method) as a form of birth control, I’m going to lead you straight to the experts.

What’s crazy is that there are so many more myths out there in regards to breastfeeding.  My best advice is to do a little research and learn as you go (parenting in a nutshell, right)!

DISCLOSURE: Coffee and Coos is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.

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