Breastfeeding Myths: Get the Facts

New moms and moms-to-be get a lot of baby advice. People usually mean well, but not all advice is based on facts. Myths about breastfeeding are common. The fact is breastfeeding is a healthy way to feed your baby.

The decision to breastfeed is a personal one, and it should also be an informed one.

Breastfeeding hurts

Breastfeeding should not be a painful experience

As with learning any new skill, there is an adjustment period. You may have some discomfort in the beginning as you and your baby are both learning. If you experience pain, it’s usually a sign that something needs to be changed.

Breastfeeding makes your breasts sag

It’s pregnancy that stretches the ligaments of your breast tissue

This occurs whether you breastfeed or not. Age, genetics, and the number of pregnancies you’ve had also play a role.

You can’t breastfeed if your breasts are:
  • Small
  • Tubular Shaped
  • Widely Spaced
  • Different Sizes

For most women, the size and shape of their breasts does not affect their ability to breastfeed

You won’t be able to make enough milk

Moms almost always make enough milk to feed their babies

The key to making plenty of milk is to nurse your baby often during the first 14 days.

  • At least 8–12 times or more every 24 hours.

It’s also important to make sure your baby is latched correctly and swallowing.

Everyone uses formula

Most women in the United States start out breastfeeding

More women breastfeed than you may think. According to the CDC, more than 83% percent of women in the United States start out breastfeeding. Research over the past 40 years has proven that human milk is an inexpensive and healthy choice for feeding babies.

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position