1. Women with small breasts produce less milk?

This is absolutely false. I have known a lady whose in-laws made her formula feed than breast feed because they felt that she was not producing enough breast milk for the baby. This is just not true. Women produce sufficient milk for the baby. In fact they produce much more milk than typically required by a baby. One reason that a baby may not be fed properly while breastfeeding is because he may not have latched properly to the breast. So care must be taken that baby is in proper position and latched properly to suck breast milk.

2. A nursing mother should clean her nipples every time before she feeds the baby?

False. It is formulas that require careful cleaning because it could be contaminated with bacteria. Nipples in fact have oils that are protective in nature and washing each time before feed may even wash this oil. Although cleanliness is required but washing each time is not required.

3. Breast feeding leads to lack of freedom

False. Many of the reasons mothers give for not wishing to breast-feed the baby may be related to their wish to be less tied to him all the time. They feel their freedom might be curbed. In a way, it is similar to the reaction of most women when they realize they are pregnant. Along with elation and delight, they usually feel some misgivings and regrets. Lack of freedom when choosing to breastfeed is a myth as baby need not cling to the mother always. You need to be with the baby only while feeding. In fact, if you are away for long from the baby, breastfeeding gives the baby far more comfort and satisfaction because of the skin contact and love involved with breastfeeding.

4. Breastfeeding leads to poor figure

False. Losing your figure should not be one of your worries, though. Many people blame breastfeeding for body changes that are, in fact, the result of overeating, inactivity, increasing age, or pregnancy itself.

5. Breastfeeding leads to heavy/disfigured breasts

False. Changes in the breast occur because of pregnancy. The woman who nurses and the one who doesn’t end up with the same kind of breast tissue. And as far as breast size is concerned, the full contour is one that many women prize. A good supporting brassiere is as important during breast-feeding as it was during pregnancy. If you can afford to buy two or three, do. Many types on the market today snap in front, permitting you to expose one breast or the other without removing your clothing. Here, a style of dress that buttons or zips down the front is most convenient.

6. Breastfeeding may cause irregular menstrual cycle

False. Nursing, in itself does not prevent the return of the regular menstrual cycle, although it may delay it a bit in some women. Nor will it prevent another pregnancy.