Moms-to-be and new moms get a lot of baby advice. Although people usually mean well, not all of it is based on fact. Myths about breastfeeding are common. The fact is that breastfeeding is a healthy way to feed your baby. The decision to breastfeed is a personal one, and it should also be an informed one.

MYTH: EVERYONE USES FORMULA. More women breastfeed than you think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 83 percent of women in the United States start out breastfeeding. 4 Research over the past 40 years has proven that mother's milk is an inexpensive and healthy choice for babies.

MYTH: BREASTFEEDING MAKES YOUR BREASTS SAG. Actually, it's pregnancy that stretches the ligaments of your breast tissue, whether you breastfeed or not. Age, genetics, and the number of pregnancies you've had also play a role.

MYTH: IF YOUR BREASTS ARE SMALL, TUBULAR SHAPED, WIDELY SPACED, OR DIFFERENT SIZES, YOU CAN'T BREASTFEED. For most women, the size and shape of their breasts does not affect their milk supply or the ability to breastfeed. This includes women with large areolas (the area around the nipple), fat nipples, and even women who've had breast surgery. (Note: If you've had extensive breast surgery, you may be able to partially or exclusively breastfeed. You should work with a breastfeeding professional before and after your baby's birth.) Tubular shaped, widely spaced, or different size breasts do not always affect milk supply and are best evaluated in a clinical setting and should not be self-diagnosed. If you are having breastfeeding challenges, you can get help from a doctor, nurse, IBCLC, or midwife.

MYTH: YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO MAKE ENOUGH MILK. Moms almost always make enough milk to feed their babies. The key to making plenty of milk is to nurse your baby often during the first 14 days (812 times or more every 24 hours). It's also important to make sure your baby is latched correctly and swallowing.

MYTH: BREASTFEEDING SPOILS A CHILD. After spending nine months growing inside you, it's completely natural for a baby to be attached to his or her birth mother and vice versa. Despite what you've heard, newborns don't need to learn to fend for themselves at such a young age. In reality, breastfeeding provides a unique bond with your child that can last a lifetime. Research shows that breastfed children grow up to be confident and self-sufficient when parents meet their needs.

MYTH: BREASTFEEDING HURTS. Breastfeeding is not supposed to be a painful experience. As with any new skill, there is an adjustment period, so you may have some discomfort in the beginning. But if you experience pain, it is usually a red fag that something is wrong.

Read more at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/files/your-guide-to-breastfeeding.pdf