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There are many myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding. Don't let them discourage you.  

The truth is, almost all women can breastfeed after giving birth.

Here are some of the common myths and concerns about breastfeeding.  Maybe you've heard them:

• My mother couldn't breastfeed, so I probably won't be able to either.
• I have small breasts and won’t produce enough milk.
• I'm afraid breastfeeding will hurt
• I've had breast surgery (breast implants or a breast reduction)
• I'll be too embarrassed to breastfeed in public.
• I'm too insecure about my body and my breasts to breastfeed.
• I have experienced abuse and am not sure I'll be comfortable breastfeeding.
• I wasn't able to successfully breastfeed my older child.
• My nipples don't stick out - they are flat or inverted.
• My partner isn’t supportive of breastfeeding.
• I'll be too busy to breastfeed.

All of these are common concerns, but none of them means you can't breastfeed your baby. For many women, breastfeeding is much simpler than formula feeding - there's nothing to sterilize and nothing to warm up or cool down. Your milk is always ready for your baby and always at the right temperature. You can breastfeed anywhere at any time and best of all, it's free!

If you have concerns, talk to your healthcare provider, a public health nurse or a lactation consultant. Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed your baby - with practice you and your baby can both do it!

My Baby Isn't Getting Enough Milk!

Almost all mothers worry that their babies aren’t getting enough milk. In a breastfeeding culture, the usual response is to feed the baby more often. This increases the amount of milk the mother makes. However, in some cases, moms who worry may be encouraged to supplement with formula. That can create problems in breastfeeding.

Did You Know?

By around two to three months after birth, your breasts may become a little smaller and feel more 'normal'. If this happens when your baby is going through a growth spurt, you may start to think that they aren't producing enough milk. The truth is, if you have had milk and your baby is growing, your milk will continue to be there.

Resources & Links:

Breastfeeding

Breast-Feeding After Breast Surgery

VIDEO: Admission to Postpartum - Keeping Your Baby Skin-to-Skin

VIDEO: Baby's Feeding Cues and Behaviours

VIDEO: Breastfeeding Positions

VIDEO: Hand Expressing Milk

VIDEO: Latching Your Baby