Myth: Breastfeeding is always simple.
While babies are born with the instinct to seek the breast, breastfeeding often takes practice and patience. Many new mothers need guidance on positioning and ensuring their baby latches properly. It’s also time-intensive, so having support at home and work is key.

Myth: Sore nipples are inevitable.
Some tenderness can happen in the first few days, but breastfeeding shouldn’t remain painful. With the right latch and positioning, ongoing nipple pain can be avoided. A lactation consultant or other trained professional can help if discomfort persists.

Myth: You must wash your nipples before each feed.
It isn’t necessary. Babies recognize their mother’s natural scent, and the skin around the nipple produces helpful bacteria and oils that support a healthy immune system.

Myth: Newborns and mothers should be separated so mom can rest.
Skin-to-skin contact—sometimes called kangaroo care—is encouraged immediately after birth. Holding your baby against your bare chest helps them find the breast and start feeding. If the mother can’t do it right away, another caregiver can help until she is ready.

Myth: Breastfeeding moms must stick to bland foods.
There’s usually no need to change your diet drastically. Babies are already familiar with the flavors their mother eats, even from pregnancy. If you suspect a particular food is causing a reaction, check with a healthcare provider.

Myth: Exercise changes the taste of breast milk.
Regular physical activity is healthy and does not affect the flavor of your milk.

Myth: If you don’t start breastfeeding immediately after birth, it won’t work.
Feeding in the first hour can make it easier to get started, but if that isn’t possible, begin as soon as you can. Skin-to-skin contact and frequent attempts at latching will help establish breastfeeding even if there’s a delay.

Myth: Using formula means you must stop breastfeeding.
Some parents choose to supplement with formula while continuing to nurse. To maintain milk supply, keep offering the breast as often as possible and seek support to create a plan that works for you.

Myth: Most mothers can’t make enough milk.
Almost all women can produce the right amount of milk. Supply depends mainly on how often the baby nurses and how effectively milk is removed. Good support—both at home and from healthcare providers—makes a big difference.

Myth: You should stop breastfeeding if you’re sick.
In many cases, you can safely continue nursing when ill. Your body’s antibodies can actually help protect your baby. Be sure to rest and follow your doctor’s guidance for any necessary treatment.

Myth: No medications are safe while breastfeeding.
Always tell your doctor you are breastfeeding. Many medicines are compatible with nursing, though some may need special timing or a different formulation.

Myth: Breastfed babies become clingy.
Babies’ personalities vary widely regardless of how they are fed. Breastfeeding fosters closeness and healthy brain development but doesn’t determine whether a child will be clingy.

Myth: Nursing past a year makes weaning harder.
There’s no evidence that stopping after a year is more difficult. In fact, breastfeeding beyond twelve months provides ongoing benefits for both mother and child. Each family can decide when to wean.

Myth: Returning to work means you must wean.
Many parents continue nursing after going back to work. Depending on your workplace policies, you might pump during the day, have someone bring your baby for feedings, or nurse before and after work. Even if you use some formula during the day, breastfeeding whenever you’re together remains valuable.

Bottom line: Breastfeeding is natural but often requires learning and support. With accurate information and a bit of help, many common worries—like diet restrictions, exercise concerns, or going back to work—don’t have to stand in the way of a successful breastfeeding journey.