Myths about Breastfeeding

Myth 1:

You need to toughen up your nipples during pregnancy in preparation for breastfeeding.

WRONG: Normal everyday body hygiene is sufficient. Please do not use washcloths or similar to harden the baby! The nipples and breast tissue are preparing for breastfeeding through hormonal influences.

Myth 2:

The breast is too small. No one in our family breastfed, it's genetic.

FALSE: Breast tissue, not fat, is crucial for the ability to breastfeed. The reason that breastfeeding was less common in the past was often because women received less support and breastfeeding was therefore often unsuccessful.

Myth 3:

The amount the breastfeeding mother drinks influences the amount of milk.

FALSE: Breastfeeding women should follow their own thirst. The amount of milk is controlled hormonally and is influenced by long and frequent breastfeeding.

Myth 4:

If the mother has eaten something “wrong”, the baby gets gas.

WRONG: Breastfeeding women can eat a varied, balanced diet. The baby already knows what the mother eats from the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Therefore, there are no wrong foods.

Myth 5:

You may only feed your baby every three hours.

WRONG: Especially at the beginning, it is important that you feed your baby as often as it shows signs of hunger or when your breasts are tense. This will have a positive effect on the milk coming in. Breastfeeding 10 to 12 times in 24 hours is completely normal!

Myth 6:

You spoil your baby if you keep him or her with you all the time.

WRONG: Frequent physical contact with your baby will lead to a strengthened basic trust. You will really fall in love with each other. Enjoy your time together!

Myth 7:

My child is already sleeping through the night in the first week.

FALSE: Due to the small volume of your baby's stomach (the size of a ping pong ball in the first week), sleeping through the night is physiologically impossible in the early days.