Breastfeeding is one of the most ancient, intimate, and natural human actions. Still, even in an era of advanced medical knowledge and easy access to information, many women face confusion, fears, and conflicting advice on the topic. They approach breastfeeding with uncertainty, external and internal pressure, and sometimes even give up on it due to misconceptions. Yonat Ran, Coordinator of Women’s Health in the Nursing Division at Meuhedet, sets the record straight and debunks some common myths.
1. Breastfeeding hurts
False. While breastfeeding may hurt at first, it is usually temporary pain caused by you and your baby learning how to nurse. In most cases, the pain results from improper latching, breast engorgement, wounds, or thrush. All of these can and should be addressed with the help of a lactation consultant at the hospital, Tipat Halav clinic, or through a phone or video call with a lactation consultant. After proper guidance and care, breastfeeding should not be painful and should become an enjoyable and bonding experience.
2. You must breastfeed for ten minutes every four hours
False. Breastfeeding is not done by the clock. Feed your baby on demand, even if that means many times a day. Don’t limit the duration of feeding. Your baby will know when they’re full and will stop nursing. The myth that you must switch sides after ten minutes is also incorrect. Let your baby empty one breast, and if they still show signs of hunger, offer the other.
3. You can’t eat many things while breastfeeding
Not entirely true. After giving birth, it is recommended to follow a balanced, healthy diet that includes foods you are used to and enjoy. There are only a few foods that should be avoided:
Foods high in sugar, calories, and trans fats – these can affect the baby’s digestion.
Mint – may reduce milk supply.
Cruciferous vegetables – cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage – some women report they cause negative effects like stomach aches or excess gas in their baby. Try in small amounts and observe the effect.
Caffeine and alcohol – allowed in moderation. Up to three cups of coffee a day and one glass of wine per day are recommended. Try to consume coffee or wine right after feeding, and leave at least two hours between drinking and the next feed.
Citrus juices – known to increase gas and stomach pain in some babies. Try a small amount and observe the impact.
Fenugreek may help increase milk supply and is therefore recommended.
4. To produce more milk, you need to drink more
Not exactly. Breastfeeding increases fluid loss by about 700 ml per day, so it’s important to drink more to prevent dehydration. However, drinking more does not directly increase milk production.
5. If you smoke, it’s better not to breastfeed
False. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is better to breastfeed and smoke than not to breastfeed at all. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the harms of smoking. Some safety measures should be taken:
Smoke immediately after feeding, not before.
Change your clothes after smoking and before nursing.
Avoid smoking near the baby, especially in enclosed spaces.
6. Women with small breasts produce less milk
False. There is no connection between breast size and milk production. What matters is the function of the glandular tissue, which all women have. It's worth noting that breast augmentation does not impair the ability to breastfeed, but breast reduction surgery may affect it.
7. If you’re sick, you shouldn’t breastfeed
False. In fact, when you’re sick, it’s especially important to breastfeed. During illness, your body produces antibodies that pass through breast milk and strengthen your baby’s immune system. Breastfeeding creates an “immune environment” for the baby, providing natural protection against pathogens. Only a few illnesses prevent breastfeeding: AIDS, active herpes, and Hepatitis C.
8. Formula keeps babies fuller than breast milk
False. Formula digests slower than breast milk, which may make it seem more filling and allows for better sleep at night. However, breast milk is perfectly tailored to your baby’s needs, easier to digest, and reduces the chances of gas and stomach pain.
9. Breastfeeding ruins your breasts
False. Breastfeeding does not change the shape of your breasts. The main change in breast shape happens during pregnancy, not related to breastfeeding. The breasts should return to their original shape after the breastfeeding period ends.
10. You need a lot of sleep to breastfeed
Partially true. Sleep is important for you, not for your milk. Even if you’re tired, your body continues to produce milk consistently. However, breastfeeding combined with frequent night waking, hormonal changes, and baby care is exhausting. Get help from those around you to rest and take care of yourself.
11. You can’t breastfeed during war or crisis
False. Actually, the opposite is true. In times of war, stress, uncertainty, or personal crisis, breastfeeding can be a stable and calming anchor for both you and your baby. Stress may temporarily affect milk release, but not its quantity or quality. During stressful times, breastfeeding can give you and your baby a peaceful bonding experience that disconnects you from what’s happening around you. If you're having trouble breastfeeding, you can pump to maintain milk production. Pump at the same frequency as you would nurse, and feed your baby the pumped breast milk.
12. If you're taking medication, you must not breastfeed
False. Most common medications, such as: Acamol, Optalgin, Nurofen, certain antibiotics, and some antidepressants are permitted during breastfeeding. However, medications like codeine, narcotics, estrogen-containing birth control pills, and some blood pressure medications are forbidden during breastfeeding. If in doubt, consult your doctor or the Teratology Information Service (a hotline for checking the safety of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding).
Breastfeeding is a natural process, but also one that requires time, patience, and support. Like any new beginning, it comes with challenges—but most of them can be solved, especially with reliable information, professional guidance, and a willingness to listen to your body and your baby’s needs. There is no single “right” way to breastfeed. Every woman and baby is unique. Some women feel an immediate connection, others need guidance, and some choose not to breastfeed at all. Every choice deserves understanding and respect.
Yonat Ran, Coordinator of Women’s Health in the Nursing Division at Meuhedet.
