There are many common myths that persist about breastfeeding. Moms we've chosen five that are most often talked about, but can be easily debunked.
1. Myth: Breastfeeding is easy.
Breastfeeding can be a joyful event between mom and baby but it takes work. It takes time, support, a proper latch to be successful every session, a balanced diet, with a caloric increase and practice. None of these will ever be perfected or made easy. Newborns generally breastfeed every two hours. Mom will be exhausted and will need the proper care and rest to keep up with the demanding schedule. And when mom has multiple children and/or work breastfeeding becomes more challenging.But as difficult as it can be there are resources available to nursing mothers, like MomsPumpHere.com. We offer locations around the world where you can stop in to nurse or pump on the go.
2. Myth: Breastfeeding makes a child clingy.
Although every child is different, one of the biggest benefits to breastfeeding is the bond created between the mother and child. The skin to skin contact and time spent together creates familiarity, safety, and provides nutrition necessary for brain development.
3. Myth: Weaning a baby is difficult if you are breastfeeding for over 12 months.
There is no one way to wean. Do what is right for you. You can breastfeed your child for 12 months or more and successfully wean. It will only benefit your child if you breastfeed for a longer period. The relationship between mom and baby is different for everyone and the time to wean can be decided when it's right for both. If you're nervous about weaning, support and resources are available to moms.
4. Myth: You can't breastfeed after you go back to work.
Yes you can! The landscape for nursing mothers in the workplace has shifted over the last 5-10 years. Large companies must provide space for nursing mothers to pump and some companies have resources for women and babies in the office. You can rotate pumping during work and breastfeeding at home if needed. In addition, working from home has become the new norm in the United States. Some companies offer work from home days during the week or flexibility for moms to work from home the entirety to balance work and care for their babies.
5. Myth: Breastfeeding must be done right after birth.
There is flexibility in the first few days after birth. Baby will benefit if you practice latching and skin-to-skin contact within the first few hours after baby arrives but you do have a window of time if needed.
*Always seek support from your doctor, doula, midwife or lactation consultant if you have questions.
(Sources: WebMD & Unicef)
