5 Breastfeeding Myths That Are Sabotaging Your Success
Common breastfeeding myths can undermine your nursing journey and create unnecessary stress for new mothers. You've probably heard these misconceptions repeated by well-meaning family members, friends, and even some outdated parenting resources. Your mother-in-law whispers them. Your neighbor swears by them. Even that parenting blog you follow keeps repeating them.
However, here's the thing... some of the most common breastfeeding advice is not only wrong, but also... It's making your journey harder than it needs to be.
Today, we're debunking five persistent myths that may be hindering your breastfeeding success. And more importantly? We're giving you the real facts that will help you thrive. For more evidence-based breastfeeding support, check out La Leche League International or KellyMom, two trusted resources for nursing mothers.
Breastfeeding Myth #1: "You Need to Drink Tons of Water to Make Milk"
Oh, this one drives me crazy. You've probably been told to drink gallons of water, right? Maybe someone even bought you one of those enormous water bottles with time markers on it?
Here's what's happening...
The Truth About Hydration and Milk Production
Your body is brilliant. It prioritizes milk production over almost everything else. Unless you're severely dehydrated - and I mean, severely - your milk supply won't be affected by drinking a little less water. According to research from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, moderate variations in maternal fluid intake do not affect milk production.
What happens when you force yourself to drink excessive amounts? Consider these effects:
- You spend half your day running to the bathroom
- You feel bloated and uncomfortable
- You create unnecessary stress about something your body is already handling perfectly
What to Do Instead
Drink when you're thirsty. Keep water nearby while nursing because breastfeeding naturally makes you thirsty. But that giant water bottle with the guilt-inducing time markers? You can let that go.
Your body knows what it's doing. Trust it. For more comfort during nursing, consider our award-winning nursing pillow designed specifically to make feeding sessions more relaxing.
Breastfeeding Myth #2: "Breastfeeding Should Be Natural and Easy"
This myth... this one breaks my heart. Because it makes so many new moms feel like failures when they're doing everything right.
You've probably thought it yourself: "If breastfeeding is natural, why does it feel so hard?"
Understanding the Learning Curve
Natural doesn't mean easy. Walking is a natural activity, but babies still need several months to learn how to do it. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby. The World Health Organization acknowledges that while breastfeeding is natural, it requires proper technique and practice.
Think about it - your baby has never done this before. Neither have you. Both of you are learning together, and that takes time. Practice is essential. Patience becomes your best friend.
The idea that it should be instantly easy creates impossible pressure. When you struggle with latch, when positioning feels awkward, when you need multiple attempts - that's not failure. That's learning.
Embracing the Journey
Permit yourself to learn. Expect a learning curve. Get support when you need it. Remember that "natural" and "easy" are not the same thing.
Every expert was once a beginner, including those who breastfeed. Our nursing pillow collection can help make positioning easier as you both learn together.
Breastfeeding Myth #3: "You Can't Breastfeed if You Have Small Breasts"
Let me guess - someone has made you worry about your breast size affecting your ability to breastfeed. Maybe you've worried about it yourself.
This myth is so persistent, and it's causing unnecessary anxiety for millions of women.
The Science Behind Milk Production Myths
Breast size has absolutely no bearing on milk production. Nothing. Zero. Nope.
Here's the science: breast size is primarily determined by the amount of fatty tissue present in the breasts. Milk production occurs in the mammary glands, which are the same size regardless of the size of the breasts. A woman with A-cup breasts has the same milk-producing capacity as a woman with D-cup breasts. The International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) confirms this fact in their educational materials.
What actually affects milk production? These factors matter:
- Frequent milk removal
- Proper latch technique
- Your body's hormonal response
- Overall health and nutrition
- Stress levels and rest
Not the size of your breasts.
Focus on What Matters
Focus on the things that matter - getting a good latch, feeding frequently, and taking care of yourself. Your breast size is perfect for feeding your baby, precisely as it is.
Trust your body's design. It knows what it's doing. For comfortable support during feeding, explore our nursing pillow covers in various soft, soothing patterns.
Breastfeeding Myth #4: "Painful Breastfeeding is Normal and You Just Have to Push Through"
No, no, no. This myth makes me want to shout from the rooftops because it's causing so much unnecessary suffering.
You've probably been told that breastfeeding pain is "normal" and you need to "tough it out." That cracked nipples and toe-curling pain are just part of the process.
Recognizing Normal vs. Problematic Pain in Nursing
Initial tenderness? Yes, that can be normal for the first few days. But ongoing pain, cracked nipples, and dreading feeds? That's not normal. That's a sign that something needs to be adjusted. Research published by Stanford Medicine's Newborn Nursery emphasizes that persistent pain indicates a problem requiring intervention.
Pain is your body's way of telling you something isn't right. Common causes include:
- Improper latch (most common)
- Poor positioning
- Thrush infection
- Tongue tie or lip tie
- Mastitis or blocked ducts
When you push through significant pain, you're not being tough - you're potentially making the problem worse and setting yourself up for supply issues, infection, or early weaning.
Getting the Help You Need
Seek help at the first sign of ongoing pain. Contact a lactation consultant, your healthcare provider, or a breastfeeding support group. Pain is not a badge of honor - comfort is the goal.
You deserve to breastfeed without pain. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Our V-shaped design nursing pillow helps eliminate back discomfort and supports proper positioning - learn more on our awards page.
Breastfeeding Myth #5: "You Need to Space Feedings Every 2-3 Hours"
This scheduling myth has caused more breastfeeding problems than almost anything else. You've probably been told to watch the clock to ensure the baby waits at least two hours between feeds.
Here's what's happening when you follow this advice...
Why Scheduled Feeding Doesn't Work
Babies don't wear watches. Your baby's stomach is tiny - about the size of a marble at birth. Breast milk digests quickly, usually within 1-2 hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding on demand rather than by schedule.
Natural feeding patterns vary widely:
- Some babies naturally eat every hour
- Some cluster feed in the evenings
- Growth spurts bring insatiable appetite periods
- Newborns may feed 8-12 times in 24 hours
- Feeding frequency changes as baby grows
When you force spacing, you're fighting against your baby's natural hunger cues and your body's natural supply-and-demand system. This can decrease your milk supply, leaving your baby frustrated and hungry.
Following Your Baby's Lead
Feed on demand. Watch your baby, not the clock. Look for hunger cues, such as rooting, lip smacking, or hand-to-mouth movements. Let your baby determine the schedule.
Your baby is the expert on when they're hungry. Trust them. For moms on the go, our travel nursing pillows make it easy to maintain comfortable feeding sessions wherever you are.
The Real Truth About Breastfeeding Success
Here's What I Want You to Remember...
Breastfeeding success isn't about following rigid rules or living up to impossible standards. Success means:
- Finding what works for you and your baby
- Obtaining accurate information rather than outdated myths
- Being kind to yourself while you're learning
- Building a support system
- Trusting your instincts
Every single one of these myths creates unnecessary pressure, anxiety, or problems. When you let go of them, you make space for what works.
Your Journey Is Unique
You don't need to drink excessive water. Suffering through pain isn't necessary. Breast size doesn't matter, and forced feeding schedules often backfire. What you need is accurate information, proper support, and patience with yourself.
Your breastfeeding journey is uniquely yours. It doesn't need to look like anyone else's. Perfection isn't the goal. Finding what works for you and your baby is what matters.
And with the correct information - the real facts instead of persistent myths - you're so much more likely to succeed. Read more about our story and how we're committed to supporting your nursing journey.
Take Action Today
If any of these myths have been affecting your breastfeeding experience, it's time to make a change. Here's your action plan:
- Reach out to a qualified lactation consultant for personalized guidance - find one through ILCA's directory
- Join a supportive breastfeeding group in your community or online
- Create a list of reliable resources for quick reference when questions arise
- Practice self-compassion as you navigate this journey
- Trust yourself and your baby above all else
You've got this, mama. You really do! For the comfort and support you deserve during this special time, explore our full collection of nursing products designed with your needs in mind.
