Parentpedia

What Experts Say^*

Breastfeed or formula feed? It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by such an important decision. Ultimately, you have to make the right decision for your family.

However, Janet Tamaro, author of "So That's What They're For!" writes, "If anyone comes on too strong in favor of breastfeeding, try to keep an open mind... Consider this: That little alien being who spent nine months growing inside of you is a pretty powerful motivator. Breastfeeding is really good for your baby. And, it's for a limited time only."

Here are seven common breastfeeding myths debunked.

• "I'm going back to work." Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to reconnect with your little one after a long day of work. And, it's a good excuse to sit down and relax, letting those calming hormones work their magic on you. You can express your milk to leave for your baby during the day or, if it works better for you, combine breastfeeding and formula feeding.
• "Breastfeeding requires a long commitment." It's okay to take nursing one day at a time. Any breast milk that your baby receives will be a wonderful gift. Colostrum, your first milk, gives your baby a very concentrated form of nutrition -- the best possible start. If you're unsure how long you want to breastfeed, set a goal, perhaps nursing for the first six weeks, and do all you can to make breastfeeding work in your life. You may be surprised to find that once you reach your goal you aren't ready to stop breastfeeding!
• "Breastfeeding hurts." Breastfeeding shouldn't be painful. Though it's normal to have some passing tenderness in the first few days as your breasts adjust, stronger pain should not be ignored. It's usually caused by problems with positioning and attachment. Schedule a visit with a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who will observe a complete feed and offer recommendations.
• "I don't have enough milk." Almost all women can produce enough milk to feed their babies. One look at breastfeeding statistics in Norway, where breastfeeding is encouraged and supported, tells the story: 99% of women initiate breastfeeding, and 96% are still nursing at one month. Insufficient milk supply usually results from the baby not accessing Mom's milk. This typically is due to poor positioning and attachment, or insufficient feeds. Frequent feeds do not indicate a low milk supply. They are your baby's way of increasing your milk supply. It's also normal for your breasts to feel less full as you adjust to your baby's milk intake -- generally two and six weeks after your baby's birth. If your baby has good output and is gaining weight normally, you can be sure she is getting enough milk.
• "I need a break." The first few weeks of mothering are challenging, whether you breastfeed or formula feed. Think of nursing in a new way: It's a great time to sit down, put your feet up and relax, or even lie down to feed your baby. You're not stuck in the house 24/7 either. You can take your little one along with you, without packing bottles, or get out for a couple of hours alone, right after a feed. Once the first few weeks pass, you'll find that breastfeeding requires minimal effort.
• "My diet isn't good enough." Though healthy eating is a wonderful goal, research shows that the quality and quantity of mother's milk is sufficient, even with an inadequate diet. And you probably won't need to give up spicy or gas-producing foods, or even one alcoholic drink a day. Breastfeeding rarely requires dietary restrictions.
• "My husband isn't on board with the idea." New dads want to participate, and there is plenty to do with a newborn other than breastfeed. Dads can soothe their babies, rock them, take them for walks, bathe them, change their diapers, and more. (And a bonus: breastfed babies' diapers are much more pleasant smelling than their formula-fed peers.) Dads also benefit because they don't have to prepare middle-of-the-night bottles. Last but not least, a breastfed bab y is easier on the budget due to lower health care costs, fewer sick days, and savings on formula.

Safety Notes

• Breast-reduction surgery, and sometimes augmentation, can decrease a woman's ability to produce milk. If you've had surgery, keep a close eye on your baby's diapers and get regular weight checks. Even if you are not making enough milk to exclusively breastfeed, your baby can be supplemented right at your breast.
• You can be sure your milk supply is abundant if your baby is gaining weight normally, wets at least five to six disposable diapers, and has at least three to four (quarter-size) bowel movements each day. After six weeks it's normal for breastfed babies to have less frequent bowel movements.