AtlantiCare - Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Myths and Truths

Myth: Breastfeeding interferes with working. Truth: Moms who work outside the home can still breastfeed. • Breastfeed before going to work and upon returning home. • At work, you can pump every three hours and refrigerate the milk, or place an ice pack with your pumped milk in a cooler bag. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for their nursing child for one year after the child’s birth each time such employee has need to express the milk. Employees are entitled to a place to pump at work, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public. Myth: Mothers should not take any medication while breastfeeding. Truth: There are very few medications you cannot take while breastfeeding. • Notify your healthcare provider before taking any medications while breastfeeding. Myth: A mother who smokes and drinks should not breastfeed. Truth: Although AtlantiCare encourages a healthy lifestyle that does not include smoking, if you do smoke, do not smoke while breastfeeding and keep baby away from second-hand smoke (yours or other peoples’). Alcoholic beverages may be consumed on occasion, but if you average two drinks or more a day, do not breastfeed.

Myth: Breastfeeding is painful. Truth: Tenderness during the first few days is common and temporary; if you continue experiencing pain, contact a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. Myth: Many women do not produce enough milk. Truth: The most common causes of low milk supply are infrequent feedings at the breast or poor latching or positioning.

Myth: Breastfeeding makes the breasts sag. Truth: Pregnancy, heredity and aging cause the breasts to sag, not breastfeeding.

Myth: Formula is as good as human milk. Truth: Human milk is best for babies; the nutrients and antibodies in human milk help fight infection and promote good health.

Myth: If the mother is sick or has an infection, she should stop breastfeeding.

Truth: With very few exceptions, a baby’s best protection against infection or a sick mom is to continue breastfeeding. • Passive immunity is passed on to the baby through breast milk. • Good hand washing is recommended.