Ask our breastfeeding experts
There are several common myths you often hear about breastfeeding.
It’s not that popular in this country
This is not true. More than 65% of women in Ireland choose to breastfeed their babies. This number is lower than in other European countries but still represents more than half.
Your baby will not get enough
Almost all women can produce enough breast milk. The size and shape of your breasts or nipples does not matter.
When your baby is born, you produce small amounts of colostrum. This is perfect for your newborn's tummy. Breast milk increases as your baby grows.
The best way to establish your supply is with early and frequent feeding, along with continued skin-to-skin contact.
Establishing your supply means that the amount of breast milk you produce matches exactly what your baby needs. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand system. The more you breastfeed, the more milk your body produces.
Concern about breast milk supply
Weight gain in breastfed babies
Your partner will feel left out
There is no need for your partner to feel left out.
There are lots of ways partners can bond with your baby and plenty of ways they can help you.
For example:
- having skin-to-skin contact with the baby
- helping you to position and latch the baby
- making sure you and the baby are comfortable during breastfeeding
- holding and cuddling the baby
- changing nappies
- burping the baby
- bathing the baby
They can also bring you water or snacks while you're feeding.
Care for your partner during breastfeeding
Formula milk is just as good
No formula protects your baby from infections and diseases the way breast milk does. This is because there are antibodies and immune-protecting substances in breast milk that are not found in formula.
Formula completely lacks the hormones that regulate weight and appetite which are passed to breastfed babies through breast milk.
Breastfeeding is not only about nutrition.
Together with skin-to-skin contact it also contributes to the early development of your baby's:
- sight
- hearing
- touch
- taste and smell
- brain development
Formula is not sterile and needs to be safely prepared. If you decide to formula feed, your midwife, public health nurse (PHN) or GP will help you.
Breastfeeding hurts
Breastfeeding should not hurt. If it does, get help as soon as possible. This can mean your baby is not positioned or attached correctly.
Your midwife, PHN or lactation nurse can help with this.
Getting breastfeeding off to a good start
Breastfeeding will make your breasts sag
Breastfeeding will not make your breasts sag. Pregnancy hormones can stretch the ligaments that support your breasts. The ageing process can also make breasts appear to sag.
Wearing a well-fitting bra during pregnancy and while breastfeeding can help to reduce breast sag.
You should stop breastfeeding if you have an infection
This is not true. Antibodies to the infection are passed into the breast milk . This stops your baby becoming ill.
You cannot take medicine while breastfeeding
There are very few medicines that you cannot take safely while breastfeeding. A very small amount of most medicines appears in the milk, but usually in very small amounts.
If you are worried about taking a medicine, talk to your GP or pharmacist. They can tell you which medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Taking medicine while breastfeeding
You have to stop breastfeeding after 6 months
You can breastfeed for as long as you and your baby are happy to.
The World Health Organisation recommends:
- exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months
- continued breastfeeding in addition to solid foods until 2 years and beyond
Starting your baby on solid foods (weaning)
Breastfeeding after 1 year has no nutritional value
This is not true. Babies who are 1 to 2 years old can receive up to 35% to 40% of their energy intake from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is an important source of fatty acids, vitamin A and calcium.
If your baby didn't breastfeed early, you cannot do it
It is easier to get breastfeeding started if you begin in the first hour after birth. A baby’s reflexes are very strong at that time. They are ready to learn to feed at the breast.
If you do not latch your baby on right after birth, do it as soon as you can.
If you need help putting your baby to the breast, ask for support from a qualified midwife, lactation nurse or other skilled professional.
Having frequent skin-to-skin contact and putting your baby to the breast will help to get breastfeeding going.