Breastfeeding Myths vs. Facts: What Every New Parent Should Know

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mother's milk is best for your baby. Improper or unnecessary use of feeding bottles and teats can be harmful to a baby's health.

World Breastfeeding Week 2026 | Part 3 of 7

Breastfeeding often comes with a lot of advice.

Some of it comes from family.

Some comes from friends.

And plenty of it comes from social media.

While much of that advice may be well meant, not everything you hear is accurate. Old beliefs can easily get passed from one generation to the next, and when you are already adjusting to life with a new baby, conflicting information can make things even more confusing.

So, let's look at a few common breastfeeding myths and what the evidence actually tells us.

Myth 1: Small breasts mean less breast milk

Fact: Breast size does not determine whether a mother can produce enough breast milk for her baby.

Breast size is largely related to fatty tissue, while milk production depends on the milk-producing tissue in the breast and how effectively and frequently milk is removed.

Regular breastfeeding helps signal the body to continue producing milk.

If you are concerned about your milk supply, it is better to look at the bigger picture—your baby's growth, wet nappies, feeding behaviour and how effectively they are breastfeeding—rather than breast size.

If something does not feel right, a qualified lactation professional or healthcare professional can help assess what is happening.

Myth 2: Breastfeeding is supposed to hurt

Fact: Breastfeeding should not remain painful.

Some mothers may experience tenderness or sensitivity in the early days, especially while both mother and baby are learning.

But persistent pain, cracked or damaged nipples, or pain that continues through feeds should not simply be accepted as “part of breastfeeding.”

Sometimes the problem may be related to positioning or attachment. At other times, there may be another cause that needs attention.

If breastfeeding is painful, ask a qualified healthcare or lactation professional to observe a feed and help identify the reason.

You do not have to struggle through ongoing pain on your own.

Myth 3: Soft breasts mean your milk supply is disappearing

Fact: Softer breasts do not automatically mean you are producing less milk.

In the early weeks, breasts may feel fuller as milk production becomes established.

Over time, your body often adjusts more closely to your baby's needs, and your breasts may feel softer or less noticeably full.

That change alone is not a reliable sign of low milk supply.

If you are worried, look instead at signs such as your baby's growth, wet nappies, swallowing during feeds and overall feeding pattern.

Myth 4: Breastfed babies need extra water in hot weather

Fact: Babies who are exclusively breastfed generally do not need additional water during the first six months—even in hot weather.

Breast milk provides both the nutrition and fluid a young baby needs.

During warmer weather, some babies may want to breastfeed more frequently.

WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, meaning no additional food or drink, including water, unless there is a specific medical reason.

If you are worried about hydration, illness, feeding or fewer wet nappies, speak with your paediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional.

Myth 5: Expressing breast milk means breastfeeding has “failed”

Fact: Expressing breast milk can be part of a mother's breastfeeding journey.

There are many reasons a mother may express breast milk.

She may be returning to work.

Her baby may need special medical care.

She may temporarily be away from her baby.

Or a healthcare or lactation professional may recommend expressing as part of breastfeeding support.

The important thing is not to compare your routine with someone else's.

If expressing breast milk is part of your circumstances, follow appropriate hygiene and storage guidance and ask for professional support if you have concerns about supply, comfort or technique. NHS guidance also recognises returning to work, difficulties with attachment and special-care situations as reasons mothers may express breast milk.

Myth 6: A baby who feeds frequently must not be getting enough milk

Fact: Frequent breastfeeding does not automatically mean there is a problem with milk supply.

Babies may breastfeed frequently, especially during the early months.

Their feeding patterns can also change from day to day.

Rather than judging milk supply by how often your baby wants to breastfeed, look at their growth, wet nappies and how effectively they are feeding.

WHO notes that many babies breastfeed around 8–12 times in 24 hours during the first six months.

If frequent feeding comes with poor weight gain, fewer wet nappies, difficulty staying awake for feeds or other concerns, seek professional advice.

Myth 7: You should compare your breastfeeding routine with other mothers

Fact: There is no single breastfeeding routine that looks exactly the same for every mother and baby.

One baby may feed quickly.

Another may take longer.

One mother may express breast milk as part of her routine.

Another may breastfeed directly most of the time.

Comparing minutes, routines or expressing amounts can create unnecessary worry.

What matters more is whether your baby is feeding effectively, growing appropriately and showing reassuring signs such as regular wet nappies.

Trust Reliable Information, Not Pressure

Breastfeeding comes with a learning curve.

Questions are normal.

So is asking for help.

When you hear conflicting advice, look for information from qualified healthcare professionals, lactation professionals and recognised health organisations rather than relying only on social media or family tradition.

WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by appropriate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues up to two years and beyond.

Most importantly, do not feel that you have to figure everything out alone.

If breastfeeding hurts, you are worried about milk supply, your baby is not gaining weight as expected, or something simply does not feel right, ask for support.

This World Breastfeeding Week, replacing myths with clear information can help mothers feel more confident—not because every breastfeeding experience is perfect, but because good support makes questions easier to manage.