Debunking Common Breastfeeding Myths: What Every Mum Should Know

With so much advice floating around—online, from friends, and even well-meaning strangers—it's easy to get confused about what’s true and what’s not when it comes to breastfeeding. As a first-time or even experienced mum, understanding the facts can make a huge difference in your feeding journey.

To set the record straight, we've gathered and debunked some of the most common myths about breastfeeding. Let’s separate fact from fiction and give breastfeeding mums the clarity and confidence they deserve.

Myth 1: Breastfeeding Comes Naturally and Is Always Easy

While babies are born with the instinct to root and suck, breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally for mums. It takes time to learn proper positioning, achieve a good latch, and feel confident. Many mums experience challenges in the early weeks and need support from lactation consultants, midwives, or even breastfeeding classes.

Truth: Breastfeeding is a skill—for both mum and baby—and it often takes time, practice, and support to get it right.

Myth 2: Sore Nipples Are Just Part of Breastfeeding

It’s common to feel some discomfort in the first few days, but ongoing nipple pain is not normal. It’s often a sign of poor latch, incorrect positioning, or unnecessary friction.

Eonian Care’s Breast Shields and Massage Cushions are designed to make pumping and milk expression more comfortable and reduce irritation. If pain persists, seek guidance from a lactation professional.

Truth: Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt—persistent pain means something needs adjusting.

Myth 3: You Need to Wash Your Nipples Before Every Feed

Many mums are told they must clean their nipples before each session, but this isn’t necessary. Your body produces a natural scent and substance (from the Montgomery glands) that helps guide your baby to the breast and supports their immune system with healthy bacteria.

Truth: Avoid overwashing—your body knows what it’s doing.

Myth 4: It’s Better to Separate Mum and Baby After Birth So She Can Rest

Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is one of the best ways to establish early breastfeeding success. Holding your baby close helps regulate their temperature, encourages bonding, and stimulates milk production.

Truth: Keeping mum and baby together supports breastfeeding—not hinders it.

Myth 5: Avoid Spicy or Strong-Flavoured Foods While Breastfeeding

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no need to dramatically change your diet unless your baby shows a reaction. In fact, exposure to different flavours through breast milk may help develop your baby’s future taste preferences.

Truth: A balanced diet is more important than avoiding strong flavours.

Myth 6: Exercise Will Change the Taste of Your Milk

Regular physical activity is not only safe for breastfeeding mums—it’s healthy. There's no evidence that exercise alters breast milk composition or makes it unpalatable to your baby.

Truth: Stay active! It supports your overall wellbeing and doesn't harm breastfeeding.

 

Myth 7: You Can’t Mix Breastfeeding and Formula

Many mums choose to combine breastfeeding with formula feeding, especially when returning to work or dealing with low milk supply. As long as you continue offering the breast regularly, your milk production can continue.

Truth: Combo feeding is possible—just monitor how your body and baby respond.

Myth 8: You Should Stop Breastfeeding When You’re Sick

Unless you have a rare condition or a doctor advises otherwise, it’s safe—and even beneficial—to continue breastfeeding while ill. Your body produces antibodies that are passed through breast milk, helping your baby build immunity.

Truth: Breastfeeding while sick can actually help protect your baby.

Myth 9: All Medications Are Unsafe While Breastfeeding

Not all medications are off-limits. In fact, many are perfectly safe. The key is to always check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist and ensure they know you’re breastfeeding.

Truth: Don't avoid treatment—just make informed decisions with your doctor.

Myth 10: Breastfed Babies Become Too Clingy

Some people claim that breastfed babies are more dependent. The truth? Every baby is different, and personality traits aren’t determined by feeding method. Breastfeeding actually supports emotional development and strengthens the mother–baby bond.

Truth: Bonding is a benefit, not a drawback.

Myth 11: Working Mums Have to Stop Breastfeeding

Being a working mum doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. With planning and the right tools, you can continue to express milk and store it for your baby.

Use the Eonian Care Smart Double Electric Breast Pump to express efficiently, and store milk in our Breast Milk Storage Bags or Feeding Solutions Value Set. With these essentials, you can maintain your milk supply even on the busiest workdays.

Truth: With the right support and products, breastfeeding and working can go hand in hand.

Final Thoughts

There are countless myths about breastfeeding—many of them outdated or simply untrue. By separating fact from fiction, you’ll feel more empowered, confident, and supported in your feeding journey.

At Eonian Care, we’re here to make breastfeeding more comfortable, more manageable, and more supported with smart, practical products for modern mums.

Have you heard a breastfeeding myth we didn’t cover here? Get in touch with us—we’d love to help set the record straight!