Breastfeeding: Common Questions, Tips and Misconceptions
Breastfeeding is a powerful way to nurture your newborn, but it often comes with a whirlwind of questions. Does breastfeeding hurt? What diet should I follow while I'm breastfeeding? What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
As you adjust to caring for and feeding your newborn, our breastfeeding & lactation medicine experts are here for you every step.Michele Burtner, CNM, MS, MPH, IBCLC, Associate Medical Director of Breastfeeding & Lactation Medicine Services at URMC, provides advice on breastfeeding and offers tips to help make breastfeeding easier for mothers.
Common breastfeeding myths
In the age of endless information, it can be hard to know fact from fiction. Our team busts common misconceptions about breastfeeding.
MYTH: Breastfeeding hurts.
MYTH: I can't eat certain foods while breastfeeding.
Lactating parents should eat a well-balanced diet, just like the rest of us.Remember: infants are exposed to all types of food the mother eats while she is pregnant! If parents notice their baby reacts to a certain food, they should talk to a lactation consultant or their pediatrician.
MYTH: I can't take any medication while breastfeeding.
Many medications are considered safe and can be timed or dose-adjusted. When necessary, an alternative medicine can be found. Always tell your healthcare provider what medication you are taking so they can verify the safety.MYTH: A mother should not breastfeed if she is sick.
In most cases, it is safe to continue breastfeeding if the mother is sick. If you're feeling ill, seek treatment and let your providers know that you're breastfeeding.MYTH: If a mother needs to return to work, she needs to wean her baby.
Can I breastfeed if I have COVID?
Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not likely to spread the virus to babies. If you have COVID, wash your hands before breastfeeding, and always wear a mask within 6 feet of your infant. regarding isolation from others.
Many mothers continue breastfeeding when they return to work. While sometimes challenging, it's achievable with the right support. Some moms opt for a breast pump, a healthy way to adapt to your busy schedule.
Remember: breastfeeding does not have to be all or nothing. If a mother chooses to supplement her baby, she can still breastfeed as much or as little as desired.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
There are many benefits of breastfeeding for both the lactating parent and their newborn.
Benefits of breastfeeding for baby:
- Reduces disease risk: Breastfeeding can help protect babies against short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Combats illnesses: Breastfed babies are less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.
- Helps immune system: Maternal antibodies are passed to the baby through the breast milk. This helps their developing immune system. Fun fact: Mother's milk changes as the baby grows to meet the baby's nutritional needs!
Benefits of breastfeeding for mom:
- Reduced cancer risk: A breastfeeding mom might have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (which includes high blood pressure).
- Faster recovery: For some, recovery from childbirth can be quicker with less risk of heavy postpartum bleeding.
- Emotional health: Most mothers experience an emotional benefit from breastfeeding, along with increased bonding with their infant.
Are there any recent trends surrounding breastfeeding?​
An increasingly popular trend is the use of breast pumps. Pumping is not widely necessary for those who breastfeed. However, those who return to work and those with milk production issues may need to pump.
Be aware that pumping more milk than necessary can lead to an oversupply. We recommend checking in with a lactation consultant if you have questions about whether a breast pump is needed, or any questions about a particular pump.
When should I stop breastfeeding?
​The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that infants are exclusively fed breastmilk for the first 6 months of life. After that, it is best to continue breastfeeding while slowly introducing appropriate complementary foods for two years or longer.
While it is up to you and your baby to decide the right time, our Breastfeeding & Lactation Medicine team is always here for support and guidance.
Breastfeeding is a Journey
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