Tommee Tippee

Breastfeeding Advice Index

No More Myths

You’ve probably already discovered that, as soon as you announce your pregnancy, the world and his wife come forward with a mass of conflicting advice and information on how to bring up your baby! While a lot of this is undoubtedly helpful, some of it is simply not true. We put the facts straight, so you can put your mind at rest.

“Your milk is either too weak or too strong”

Not true. Breast milk is always just right. It changes as the feed progresses, from watery, thirst-quenching foremilk at the beginning to rich, nutritious hindmilk as the feed goes on. Don’t worry about what it looks like: watery or creamy, it doesn’t matter. It’s perfectly balanced for your baby.

“Your baby's feeding so often, you can't have enough milk”

Not true. If your feeding position’s right and your baby’s settled after feeds then frequent feeding is good – it’s stimulating plenty of milk for the future. Sometimes babies just need a drink rather than a full meal. And remember, your newborn’s stomach is only the size of a walnut, so he or she needs to fill up little and often!

“Feeds should be timed and limited to 4 hourly intervals”

Not true. Make sure your baby latches on well and feed on demand. Your baby’s appetite will vary from one feed to the next and one day to the next, so don’t expect any pattern or routine in the first few weeks.

“If you have mastitis you must stop feeding”

Not true. It’s important to relieve the breast of milk.

“Too much breast milk can make your baby fat”

Not true. Breast milk is nutritionally perfect. Its composition changes over the weeks and months to maintain a balanced diet, constantly suited to your growing baby.

“You can't get pregnant while you're still breastfeeding“

OH YES YOU CAN! It’s advisable to arrange contraception with your doctor or family planning clinic, or ask one of the breastfeeding organizations about natural contraception while breastfeeding.