Breastfeeding Myths: The Early Weeks
Breastfeeding is one of the very first bonding, and learning experiences between a parent and a baby. Studies show that parents are most likely to start and continue breastfeeding past the initial few weeks when they are supported, educated, and confident in themselves. Access to credible and convenient information can make all the difference when challenges arise. Here are a few breastfeeding myths and answers that might help a new parent in those early days.
Myth #1 Breastfeeding is natural so it should be easy.
Babies are equipped with suckling reflexes and instinct to feed, but they do need to learn how to breastfeed effectively. The parent, who is the other half of the feeding relationship, also needs to learn how to assist, position, and read the baby to meet their goals. It can take practice and time. Parents can benefit from prenatal preparation and breastfeeding prep classes to normalize the basics of breastfeeding, and find support, and a community! The Breastfeeding Center offers a variety of breastfeeding and baby care classes for parents at various stages of their nursing journey.
Myth #2: Breastfeeding will be painful.
It is not uncommon for parents to feel discomfort as they are learning to feed their baby. Pain while breastfeeding can be an indicator that support might be needed. A trained professional, such as an iBCLC, might assess a baby's latch, position while feeding, and oral anatomy. They can offer evidence-based guidance and support while you are learning. Nursing your baby should not be painful, and accessing avenues of support can be vital for parental confidence while feeding their baby.
Myth 3: My newborn wants to eat constantly, and my milk does not seem to be enough.
It is normal for baby’s generally to want to be close to their birthing parent, or primary caregiver. They are used to the warmth of the womb, safety, and bonding that being close to a loved one brings. Skin-to-skin not only makes babies feel safe, but also brings them to homeostasis/calm, and helps to regulate body heat, warmth, and many other bodily functions. Newborn babies will instinctively search for the breast, and in turn these frequent feedings will assist your milk supply. Babies are wired to want to suck and feed frequently.
So why might it seem like your baby is feeding often:
Newborns can be sleepy and may need small, frequent feedings in the beginning to support weight gain.
Baby is cluster feeding. Cluster feeding at irregular intervals for a shorter amount of time. This is normal and can happen when a baby is having a growth spurt, especially in the early weeks and baby just may need a bit more milk.
Baby may just want to be comforted and nursing gives them comfort and calm. This is a normal behavior for babies and can be a great time to bond with baby.
**If parents are concerned that their baby may not be getting enough to eat, monitor their wet and dirty diaper output and weight. If the baby is gaining and stooling as they should, that is a great indicator that things are going well. Did you know The Center offers rentals (including scales for the purpose of understanding how much milk a baby is taking and tracking weight gain)?**
Myth 4: My breast/chest feel soft, I am not producing as much milk as I did in the beginning, I must be losing my milk supply.
Once a parent’s milk comes in, and those vital pregnancy-related hormones drop (estrogen and progesterone), and your prolactin levels rise, your milk may come in full force. The body switches over to the supply and demand system soon after meaning milk must be removed via an infant, hand expression, or pump. Sometime around the 6-week mark, your hormones will regulate and you may notice that your breasts don’t feel as full as they did in the early days and weeks. it is totally normal for your breast to feel soft and less firm. However, if you are concerned about your milk supply or baby’s weight gain, please reach out to your Lactation Consultant.
Myth #5: My baby won’t latch on to my breast (or accept a bottle!) It’s never going to work.
Not true! There are more options than when feeding your baby aside from the breast/chest or bottle! These options can be suitable for families in all types of circumstances, including parents who are still figuring out techniques to get their baby to latch and/or bottle feed. These methods are typically called alternative feeding methods and can be handy tools to have in your back pocket when feeding challenges arise and need to keep your baby fed.
Cup feeding
Syringe feeding
Finger feeding
Supplemental Nursing System
Your IBCLC can assist with teaching these methods and providing resources for assistance as well!
Contact us at 202.293.5182 to book an appointment with an IBCLC on our team.