Myth 1: You cannot breastfeed if you have small breasts or flat nipples.

Fact: Outward appearance of your breasts does not affect a mother’s ability to produce and dispense milk to her baby. Breasts of all shapes and sizes can feed a hungry baby.

Myth 2:  Breastfeeding is a lot of effort

Fact: Once you get the hang of breastfeeding it is a lot easier that bottle feeding a baby.  Breast milk is ready when a baby needs it – it does not have to be measured or heated to the right temperature.  You do not have to pack sterilized bottles and teats and enough formula to keep your baby going for a day when you go on outings.

Myth 3:  Breastfeeding ties you down

Fact: Yes, breastfeeding is more suited for moms who plan to spend most of the time with their baby.  This does not mean, though, that working moms cannot express milk for their babies or supplement with formula feeds when she is not around.

Myth 4:  Breastfeeding will be the end of beautiful breasts

Fact: Pregnancy and not breastfeeding is to blame for the change in the shape of your breasts.  Breasts prepare for lactation whether you prepare to breast feed or not. Excessive weight gain, genes, poor support of your breasts during pregnancy and your age can add to the changes in your breasts.  Breastfeeding is not the culprit.

Myth 5:  It did not work the first time, therefore will not work the second time

Fact: Research proves that with a second child a mother will produce more milk and have an easier time breastfeeding than the first time around. Try and try again!

Myth 6:  Breastfeeding excludes the father

Fact: A father does not have to breastfeed a baby to bond with him.  Bottlefeeding, bathing, nappy changing, holding, rocking and playing provides enough opportunities for a dad to form a strong bond with his baby.