“Breast is best”! If you’ve had a baby, you’ve probably heard this before. And I can’t help but to agree. Breastfeeding has so many benefits for both mom and baby, so I always make a point to encourage pregnant women and moms of newborns I come across to go all in and give it a try. Even with all of the benefits, though, some women are still hesitant. So, I want to talk about some of those myths and excuses, and encourage all the pregnant and new moms out there: yes, you can breastfeed!
(I’ll preface this by saying that I know breastfeeding isn’t always easy. It just doesn’t work out for some mom/baby pairs for various reasons. In some cases, it’s actually medically recommended that you don’t breastfeed. But, in a lot of cases, I find that moms are just doubting themselves. And I’m here to address some of the myths out there for those moms who may be on the fence. I’m not here to offend anyone!)
Excuse #1: I have to go back to work
Now, I know that in some careers, it may be very difficult or downright impossible to continue to breastfeed or pump while working. I don’t knock you if it just isn’t possible. But, I’ve heard many women mention this as the reason they won’t even consider or start out breastfeeding.
I’ve breastfed 5 babies – all at different, busy stages of my life. One, while I was nearing the end of undergrad and starting medical school. Another during my 4th year of medical school. My 3rd while working 30-hour calls in my Pediatric Residency. And 2 while working in private practice as a Pediatrician. It definitely wasn’t easy to do. But if you’re committed to it and really want it to work, it can. You just have to be prepared and have the right products to make breastfeeding and pumping a little easier.
You may feel like your job is too busy for you to be able pump. If that’s the case, talk to your employer and see what you can work out. In my case, I had pumping built into my work schedule, and a few less patients per day to accommodate that. Keep in mind, that there are breastfeeding laws out there to protect moms who need to pump at work.
In my resource library, I’ve included helpful printables with tips for pumping and working, creating a schedule, and things to have on hand to make it a success. Get access here.
Excuse #2: I can’t do it for a whole year
I get it. Breastfeeding can make you feel like your breasts are no longer yours. (Your husband may actually be upset about this too!). Add to this the fact that you’ve already lost possession of your body for 9 months during pregnancy! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continuing breastfeeding along with other foods up to a year. But, honestly, any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial for your little one. Breastfeeding also gets easier, less time-consuming, and less frequent as your baby gets older. It feels like much less of a commitment with time. So, stick to it for as long as you can – but a year would still be ideal!
Excuse #3: It takes too much time
Yes, it may take a little longer to breastfeed than it does to give a bottle to your baby. But, when you include the time it takes to prepare a bottle, warm it, and to clean up afterwards, the time to bottle-feed vs breast feed can be pretty similar. With breastfeeding, you really don’t have to worry about preparation. That makes middle-of-the-night feedings a whole lot easier. There’s no prepping, warming, or cleaning-up to worry about when you’re exhausted.
Excuse #4: I want my freedom
This may be just me, but I loved the fact that breastfeeding was the one thing I could do for my baby that no one else could. Feeding the baby was ultimately my responsibility (whether directly at the breast, or providing the milk in a bottle). This made me the one person my babies looked to for comfort. But, pumping also helps you to detach when you need to. Your baby doesn’t have to be on your breast 100% of the time.
If you’re worried about your husband being able to bond with the baby, there are other things that he can do. He can bottle-feed breast milk whenever you pump. He can also soothe, bathe, change, and read to the baby. Your husband can still play an active role in your baby’s care, but you get the perk of being your baby’s ultimate source of nutrition. You can truly continue to grow that little human that you were already growing inside of you!
Excuse #5: I won’t have enough milk
You don’t know unless you try! Most women will produce enough milk for their baby. As your baby grows, your body naturally adjusts, and makes more milk. Of course, there are times when your baby may demand more than you can supply. There are foods and natural supplements that you can take to increase your supply. It’s also important to feed your baby often, whenever they’re hungry, and to pump whenever your baby is getting a bottle. If your baby is growing and gaining weight normally, you’re producing enough milk. Your Pediatrician can let you know!
(Check out my resource library for a handy printable with tips for increasing your supply!)
Excuse #6: My baby’s premature
This is when your baby really needs to breastfeed! Breast milk is filled with antibodies that are important for your baby’s immune system. This is so important for premature babies, whose immune systems are more immature than a full-term baby. Breast milk is also easier on the stomach, and is easier for premature babies to digest than formula. If your baby needs extra calories or vitamins as a premie, there are ways to do that while still providing breast milk.
Excuse #7: I’ve heard breastfeeding hurts
I’ll be totally honest. Each time I had a new baby and started to breastfeed, I had some discomfort. Even with a good latch, checked by the lactation consultant, I had some pain for a little while. Eventually, the discomfort settled down. But, breastfeeding really shouldn’t be painful. If it is, its helpful to get help from a lactation consultant to make sure that there aren’t any issues with your breast, your baby’s mouth, or your technique.
Excuse #8: My breasts aren’t shaped for breastfeeding
Some women worry that their breasts aren’t big enough for breastfeeding. The reality is that breast size doesn’t dictate milk supply. I speak from experience on this one! Small breasts can still produce a lot of milk! Unfortunately, breast reduction surgeries can cause a decreased milk supply, because the reduction takes away milk ducts. So, you’d really have to watch your milk production and baby’s weight gain if you’re in this boat. Inverted nipples is another concern that I’ve heard. But there are products that can be used to fix this for breastfeeding, such as nipple shields.
Excuse #9: I can’t breastfeed in public
Honestly, after you go through the delivery process and everything’s exposed, you kinda lose all modesty! I admit that with my first few kids, I was hesitant to breastfeed in public. But, with each baby, I got more comfortable with it. With multiple kids, and running around to all of their activities, I had no choice but to breastfeed on the go. Honestly, it was also a lot easier because I didn’t have to tote around bottles or a cooler, or worry about how I was going to warm milk.
Use a nursing cover if you have to. If you’re worried what others around you have to say – don’t be! I’m sure they prefer a quiet, fed baby over a screaming, hungry one! Breastfeeding in public is getting more and more popular, now that more people are realizing that’s what the breasts are there for!
Excuse #10: I’m taking prescription medications
Most medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. I recommend checking with your OB/GYN or Pediatrician beforehand, though, just to be sure. Please ask before making the assumption that you just can’t breastfeed because if your regular daily meds.
Don’t get me wrong – I do believe breast is best, but I also believe that a fed baby is a healthy one. Babies need nutrition to grow and develop. If there are any true issues that make breastfeeding difficult or impossible, then formula is an acceptable back up. I just really want to encourage any hesitant moms to breastfeed. You’d be doing so much for your baby and for yourself. It’s always worth giving 100% effort. Say it with me: “yes, you can breastfeed!”
For more breastfeeding info and resources, check out my resource library! In it, you’ll find printables with my best tips for increasing your supply, breastfeeding at night, breastfeeding a newborn, pumping and working, etc. You’ll also get access to my weekly newsletter with my personal stories, encouragement, and tips and tricks to help you on this busy mom journey as well. Just drop your e-mail below and your access will be sent right to your inbox!
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