When it comes to feeding your baby, it can seem like everyone has an opinion. Friends, family members, and even strangers may offer advice—some of it helpful, and some of it based on outdated information.
To help parents tell fact from fiction, the Carilion Clinic Lactation Services team debunks some common myths about breastfeeding.
Myth: Most new moms don’t breastfeed.
Fact: Breastfeeding is common, but every family’s feeding experience is different.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding (sometimes called chestfeeding) for the first 6 months when possible. Many parents choose to breastfeed, but formula is also an option. There’s no single “right” way to feed a baby.
Myth: Breastfeeding takes more time than formula feeding.
Fact: Both breastfeeding and formula feeding take time.
Breastfeeding and pumping can be a time commitment, especially during the early weeks when babies feed frequently. But formula feeding involves time-consuming prep like measuring and mixing formula and cleaning bottles.
Myth: Formula provides extra growth and health benefits that breast milk does not.
Fact: Both will nourish your baby, but breast milk can provide an extra boost.
Formula is carefully regulated to give babies the nutrients they need to grow and develop. Breast milk contains nutrients as well as antibodies and other components that can provide extra health benefits.
Parents shouldn’t feel guilty if breastfeeding isn’t a viable option for them. A well-fed baby is what matters most.
Myth: Giving your baby formula will always ruin your milk supply.
Fact: Regular breastfeeding or pumping helps your body maintain milk production.
If you want to continue breastfeeding while also using formula, it is possible to do both. However, regularly replacing breastfeeding or pumping sessions can reduce your supply over time because your body is less stimulated to make milk.
Myth: Breastfeeding causes your breasts to sag.
Fact: Pregnancy and aging can change the size and shape of your breasts, but breastfeeding itself isn’t the main cause of breast sagging.
Factors like genetics, age, pregnancy, weight changes, and breast size can all affect how breasts look over time.
Myth: Your breasts can be too large or too small to breastfeed.
Fact: Breast size usually doesn’t determine your ability to breastfeed.
Breasts of all shapes and sizes can produce milk. If you’ve had breast surgery or have other concerns, reach out to your doctor or a lactation consultant for an evaluation.
Myth: You can’t breastfeed in public.
Fact: Breastfeeding in public is legal throughout the U.S.
Parents can breastfeed wherever they’re legally allowed to be. Some parents are comfortable nursing in public, while others prefer to use a private space or pump and offer breast milk in a bottle.
Myth: If breastfeeding doesn’t work out, you have failed.
Fact: Feeding your baby is what matters most.
Low milk supply, medical needs, and many other factors can affect feeding. If breastfeeding isn’t working for you, it’s OK to ask for help or change your feeding plan. Your baby needs to be fed, and you deserve support no matter how you choose to do it.
Getting help with feeding
If you have questions about breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or combination feeding, talk with your baby’s pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can help you find a feeding plan that meets your and your baby’s needs.
