4 Myths about Breastfeeding

Exclusively breastfeeding for the recommended first 6 months of a baby’s life has many benefits for both mom and baby. However, there are still many prevalent myths about breastfeeding. Let’s shed some light on 4 of the common misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding.

1. You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding

You may experience a “menstruation vacation” while breastfeeding, but this does not mean that you can’t get pregnant.

The hormone prolactin is high in pregnancy and continues to remain high during breastfeeding. Researchers believe that prolactin inhibits ovulation.

However, after 3 months postpartum, the effect that prolactin has on ovulation decreases and is affected by many different variables such as maternal age, nutrition, and how frequently the baby is nursing.

If you are ovulating, then there is a chance you can become pregnant. For this reason, do not rely on breastfeeding as a source of contraception.

If you do not wish to become pregnant, be sure to use one of the following preventative measures:

• Family planning
• Condoms
• Birth control pill
• Intrauterine device (IUD)
• Implantable hormonal contraceptives

2. Breastfeeding will make you lose weight 

There is a widespread notion that breastfeeding will cause postpartum mothers to lose weight and potentially return to their pre-pregnancy weight. Some mothers will claim that breastfeeding helped them “bounce back”.

However, there is no guarantee that breastfeeding will aid you in your postpartum weight loss journey. You may lose very little weight, no weight, or even gain weight. 

Breastfeeding can burn up to 500-700 calories a day, but this does not directly translate to weight loss. There are many other variables that will affect if and when you lose weight during the postpartum period. Studies have shown that exclusively breastfeeding mothers will, on average, lose more weight than non-exclusively breastfeeding mothers, but exclusively breastfeeding only has a “small effect” on weight loss.

Don’t get discouraged if you do not reach your weight loss goals while breastfeeding, as the hormone cards may be stacked against you. 

During your breastfeeding journey your focus should be on eating nutritious foods to nourish your body. Breastfeeding mothers should not eat less than 1800 calories per day and should consume foods high in protein to aid in recovery. 

In the early stages of postpartum, you should focus on moving your body in a way that feels good to you. Going on a walk is a great way to ease back into activity.

Be sure to consult with your OB/GYN before starting an exercise program.

3. You can’t give your baby a pacifier if they are breastfeeding

People widely believe that giving pacifiers to breastfed babies should be avoided due to concerns about nipple confusion.

The idea of nipple confusion suggests that when a baby becomes accustomed to a pacifier or a baby bottle, the mother’s breast may be rejected. This is because pacifiers and baby bottles involve a different type of suckling compared to breastfeeding. Consequently, switching between a pacifier and breastfeeding might lead to the baby becoming “confused.”

This does not mean that a breastfed baby will never be able to take a pacifier, however.

Simply, breastfeeding should be well established before the introduction of a pacifier. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to delay pacifier use until around 1 month of age.

4. Breastfeeding comes naturally 

Breastfeeding is natural but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally or that it is easy! 

You may experience many setbacks throughout your breastfeeding journey. Here are a few struggles that many women face during their time breastfeeding:

• Cracked nipples
• Incorrect latch
• Tongue tie
• Engorgement
• Clogged ducts
• Low milk supply
• Cluster feeding
• Milk blebs
• Mastitis
• Nursing strike

Breastfeeding is also a huge time commitment, and many women will struggle with the physical and emotional demands. 

If you are struggling with breastfeeding during the first weeks, then you may consider contacting a lactation consultant. They can help guide you through any breastfeeding related struggles.  

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking.

Chao S. (1987). The effect of lactation on ovulation and fertility. Clinics in perinatology, 14(1), 39–50.

Jarlenski, M. P., Bennett, W. L., Bleich, S. N., Barry, C. L., & Stuart, E. A. (2014). Effects of breastfeeding on postpartum weight loss among U.S. women. Preventive medicine, 69, 146–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.09.018

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When breastfeeding, how many calories should moms and babies consume?