Dr. Lavanya Kiran, Director & Lead Consultant  Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Robotics, Regenerative Medicine, Cosmetic Gynaecology & Fertility, KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru.

Breastfeeding is one of the greatest presents a mother can offer her child. It provides the
baby with all the required nutrients, strengthens its immune system, and ensures healthy
development of the child referred to as babying. In addition to that, breastfeeding is good for
mothers since it enhances their recovery after the delivery and decreases the risk of several

health problems. Nevertheless, in spite of increasing knowledge, there are numerous
misconceptions about breastfeeding that raise concerns and doubts in the minds of mothers.
Thus, it is vital to differentiate truth from lies when it comes to breastfeeding, so both
mothers and babies are able to enjoy this process.

Myth 1: Small Breasts Produce Less Milk
One of the most usual beliefs regarding the feeding process is that breast size plays an
important role in milk production. In reality, breast size is defined by fat tissue and has
nothing to do with productive glands. Women with smaller breasts are capable of producing
the same amount of milk as the ones with larger breasts.

Myth 2: You Should Stop Breastfeeding If You Are Sick
One fear of many mothers is that they might pass their illness to their baby through breast
milk. But common illnesses like the cold, cough, or even a mild fever should not keep a
woman from nursing. Breast milk has antibodies that help protect the baby against

infections. Hence, women can be safely breastfeeding unless their physician’s advice is
different based on their health condition or medications they are taking.
Myth 3: A Crying Baby Means Breast Milk Is Not Enough

A baby cries for a multitude of reasons such as hunger, discomfort, tiredness, or just wanting
to be cuddled. Crying of the baby in and of itself does not mean that the mother is not
producing enough milk. Parents must look for such signs as consistency in weight gain, wet
diapers, and good feeding habits to know whether the baby is being fed enough.

Myth 4: Formula Milk Is Just as Good as Breast Milk
Although infant formula is a safe substitute when mothers are unable to breastfeed, it can
never replicate the unique quality of breast milk. Antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and living
cells present in breast milk protect young children from infectious diseases and promote their
healthy brain development and immune system functioning. These benefits cannot be fully
achieved with the help of formulas.

Myth 5: Breastfeeding Should Stop Once Solid Foods Begin
The introduction of complementary food around six months of age does not mean that
breastfeeding should cease. Breast milk may provide mothers and children with nutritious
components and immunity while serving as an additional source of food. Therefore, mothers
are encouraged to continue breastfeeding for up to two years or more while providing
childrens other meals.

Trust Science, Not Myths
Breastfeeding is a natural act but it can often be difficult when one is starting out. Problems
with latching and concerns regarding the amount of milk produced are a regular occurrence
and can generally be solved with proper assistance from qualified medical practitioners or
lactation specialists. It is important for new mothers to know the reality of breastfeeding and
adhere to the proven facts instead of listening to myths regarding this process.