Despite the widespread encouragement for breastfeeding, there are many misleading claims and misinformations surrounding breastfeeding. In this article, we will discuss ten common claims around breastfeeding and explore their accuracy.
Claim 1: “Breast milk always supplies every vitamin a baby needs.”
Breast milk contains many nutrients; however, it does not always supply every vitamin that a baby needs in sufficient amounts1. Vitamins, including Vitamin D, Vitamin B-12, and Vitamin K, may be lacking in breast milk, particularly if the mother is under-nourished2–4. Parents are offered supplements for vitamins, such as the vitamin K injection for newborns, which is recommended immediately after birth5.
Whether breastfeeding, pumping, or formula-feeding, babies may need supplements to ensure that they are getting all of the vitamins that they need. Ask your doctor or healthcare worker about this if you are concerned.
Claim 2: “Breastfeeding torches 500 calories a day – weight loss is automatic.”
Breastfeeding is estimated to require an extra 500 calories per day, and has been associated with increased weight loss when breastfeeding women are compared to those who do not breastfeed6,7. However, the exact number of calories depends on multiple factors, including the metabolism of the mother, feeding frequency, and the amount of milk produced8,9.
If you are trying to lose weight, do not rely exclusively on burning calories from breastfeeding. Regardless of whether you are breastfeeding, the NHS recommends that eating a healthy, balanced diet and taking regular exercise is the best way to lose weight10.
Claim 3: “Breast milk is immune to heavy-metal pollution.”
Breast milk is not immune to heavy metal pollution11. The exposure of mothers to pollutants, such as high levels of environmental pollution or contaminated food and water, can result in heavy metals being passed into their breast milk and breastfeeding babies12.
For the majority of mothers and babies in the UK, exposure to heavy metals is rare13. If you live in a high-exposure environment, you may be recommended to undergo regular screening to ensure that your breast milk does not contain concerning levels of heavy metals.
Claim 4: “Mum’s diet doesn’t change milk flavour or quality.”
A mother’s diet when breastfeeding can change both the flavour and the quality of the milk. Certain flavours from the mother’s diet, such as carrot, garlic, and alcohol, can affect the taste of their breast milk within a couple of hours of eating14. The level of vitamins and minerals in the mother’s diet can affect the quality of the milk15.
If you are breastfeeding, you should try to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to keep your milk as high-quality as possible. Flavour transfer into breast milk is harmless and may even help with weaning by exposing babies to different tastes16.
Claim 5: “Exclusive breastfeeding guarantees allergy-free kids.”
Exclusive breastfeeding does not guarantee that children will be allergy-free. Some scientists have suggested that it may lower the risk of certain allergies, including asthma and hayfever17; however, others argue that it does not affect allergies. Breastfeeding is not thought to have a large effect on food allergies, with only weak scientific evidence currently available18.
Experts recommend introducing common allergenic foods early (from 6 months old), but consult with your doctor if you are concerned or if you have a family history of allergies.
Claim 6: “Small breasts = low milk supply”
For the vast majority of women, breast size does not have a significant impact on milk supply. Difficulties producing enough milk are linked to the amount of glandular tissue within the breasts, not the amount of adipose tissue (which is what gives breasts their size)19. One study found that smaller breasts may be beneficial, with a mildly higher lactose concentration in the milk, but no other differences (positive or negative) were seen20.
Claim 7: “Stress won’t touch your milk.”
Although stress is unlikely to completely stop milk production, it may still result in issues with breast milk. Short-term stress can temporarily make it more difficult for milk to let down, and long-term stress may affect the composition of the milk, potentially decreasing the nutritional value21,22.
Babies are resilient to short-term changes, but mothers may benefit from the help of a lactation consultant and stress-reduction techniques if they are concerned about their stress levels.
Claim 8: “A glass of wine is fine – alcohol never reaches milk.”
Alcohol will pass from the bloodstream of the mother to the breast milk within an hour, and can be harmful to the baby. Mothers should wait approximately 2-3 hours after drinking a standard drink before breastfeeding, or longer if more drinks have been consumed23. The alcohol will leave your breast milk in a similar amount of time as it leaves your blood; expressing milk does not clear your milk of alcohol or speed up the removal of alcohol from your breast milk23.
Claim 9: “Modern formula is nutritionally identical to breast milk.”
Baby formula is designed to mimic breast milk as closely as possible and contains all of the core nutrients that are essential to baby growth and development, including those that may be low in breast milk (such as Vitamin D)24. However, they are not identical, as breast milk contains bioactive compounds (natural substances from the mother), which can help to build the baby’s immune system and gut health25.
Breast milk is considered the optimal substance for feeding babies, but it is not always possible to use it. Both baby formula and breast milk will result in babies growing and developing well.
Claim 10: “If you can’t breastfeed, skip the postpartum health check.”
The postpartum health check is essential both for mothers who are breastfeeding and those who are not. Mothers who are formula feeding may lose some of the benefits provided by the natural body reset that occurs with breastfeeding26, putting them at a higher risk of certain diseases, including breast and ovarian cancers, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes27.
Summary
While breastfeeding is considered the optimal feeding choice for most infants, formula feeding can be necessary to replace or enhance breastfeeding and will provide the essential nutrients needed for your baby to thrive. While keeping their baby healthy is all mothers’ primary concern, it is also essential for them to look after their own health. Screening using blood tests or imaging (such as MRIs) can help mothers identify any causes for concern early and maintain their long-term health.
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