Breastfeeding parents receive lots of advice long before their baby is born. While many are well-meaning, breastfeeding myths are often shared with new parents.
Friends, family, social media, and even well-meaning professionals may unintentionally perpetuate myths that create anxiety, undermine confidence, or lead families to stop breastfeeding earlier than they hoped.
As Certified Breastfeeding Counselors (CBCs), we play a critical role in helping parents sort fact from fiction. We do so while remaining within our scope of practice and provide evidence-based support.
Why Breastfeeding Myths Are So Persistent
Breastfeeding myths often stem from outdated science, cultural practices, or misunderstandings of normal infant behavior. Because breastfeeding looks different across families—and can change week to week—parents may interpret variation as a problem when it is normal physiology.
Additionally, social media has amplified the spread of anecdotal experiences presented as universal truth and evidence. While personal stories matter, they can unintentionally overshadow evidence-based information.
CBCs are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap by validating parents’ experiences while gently reframing misinformation with current research. Up-to-date information is important for being able to reassure worried parents.
Common Breastfeeding Myths CBCs Encounter
Myth: “My milk supply is low because my baby feeds often”
Frequent feeding is normal, especially in the early weeks and during growth spurts. Breastfeeding works on a supply-and-demand system. As we know, clustering or frequent nursing often signals healthy regulation and not inadequate supply.
Myth: “Breastfeeding should never hurt”
While ongoing pain is not normal, some discomfort during latch learning or early nipple sensitivity can occur. As CBCs, we can help differentiate normal adjustment from issues that require additional support or referral. Initial latch pain due to sensitivity and a little discomfort can be typical. However, pinching, ongoing pain, or misshapen nipples after a feed warrant checking the latch.
Myth: “Certain foods cause gas or fussiness in all babies”
There is little evidence that most maternal foods routinely cause infant gas. Population-wide avoidance lists can unnecessarily restrict maternal nutrition and increase stress. We do not want new parents stressing over their diet when in most cases gas is just a part of normal human digestion. If baby is extremely fussy, has extensive reflux, rashes, etc., parents should talk to the pediatrician about possible protein allergies, the most common being a cow’s milk protein allergy.
Myth: “Small breasts make less milk”
Breast size is related to fatty tissue and does not determine milk-making capacity. Glandular tissue, effective milk removal, and hormonal factors are far more relevant. Parents should be reassured that large or small breasts can make adequate milk.
Insufficient glandular tissue is rare, and can often be diagnosed based on shape. If a parent thinks they might have this, they can talk to their midwife or physician. Following up with an IBCLC can help them reach their maximum supply.
How CBCs Can Address Myths Effectively
Lead With Curiosity, Not Correction
Parents are more receptive when they feel heard. Open-ended questions like, “What have you heard about this?” or “What are you noticing with your baby?” invite discussion rather than defensiveness. We want to educate and build confidence.
Normalize, Then Educate
Many myths reflect normal behaviors misunderstood as problems. Framing education through normalization helps parents feel less alarmed and more confident.
Example:
“Many parents are told frequent feeding means low supply, but actually it’s how babies help regulate milk production.”
Their concerns are valid given the pervasive myths and the very occasional anecdotal experience of true low supply. However, when we help them understand normal newborn behavior, it is easier for them to be confident in focusing on diaper output rather than frequency of feeds.
Use Evidence-Based Language
CBCs should rely on peer-reviewed research and established clinical guidelines, clearly distinguishing evidence from opinion.
Phrases such as:
- “Current research shows…”
- “Most breastfed babies…”
- “What we typically see is…”
…help keep conversations grounded and professional. We can help parents understand why we are saying something and how it differs from opinions and myths. Why should a parent take our information more seriously than the information from their cousin Mary? We are sharing evidence-based information and not only opinion.
Staying Within Scope While Providing Clarity
CBCs do not diagnose medical conditions or recommend medications. When myths overlap with medical concerns—such as infant weight gain, reflux, or maternal health conditions—CBCs should:
- Share general education
- Identify red flags
- Refer to IBCLCs or healthcare providers as needed
For example:
“If you’re worried about milk intake or weight gain, your baby’s provider can evaluate that more closely. I can help you prepare questions and support feeding in the meantime.”
Addressing Social Media Misinformation
Parents often arrive with strong beliefs shaped by online content. Rather than dismissing online sources, CBCs can:
- Acknowledge how overwhelming information can be
- Encourage critical thinking
- Offer reputable alternatives
Providing trusted organizations (WHO, AAP, CDC, ABM) helps parents learn how to assess credibility moving forward. You can make recommendations to some of your favorite lactation professionals who share evidence-based information on social media as well.
Empowering Parents Through Education
Ultimately, myth-busting is not about proving parents wrong, it is about restoring confidence and agency. When parents understand what is normal, what is variable, and when to seek help, they are better equipped to make informed decisions that work for their family.
As CBCs, we support parents not by controlling outcomes, but by ensuring families are not making decisions based on fear or misinformation.
Breastfeeding myths are common, powerful, and persistent—but so is the impact of skilled counseling. As Certified Breastfeeding Counselors, we are essential allies in helping parents navigate conflicting advice.
Not already a CBC? Get started today and you’ll be supporting families in breastfeeding despite societal myths.