BAD BREASTFEEDING ADVICE WE TOO OFTEN FOLLOW

8. “AVOID [SPICY FOOD, GARLIC, BROCCOLI, etc.], IT WILL MAKE THE BABY GASSY”

Why it’s bad: For the vast majority of babies, a mother’s diverse diet is beneficial. The flavors of the food she eats pass into her milk, which may help the baby accept a wider variety of solid foods later. There’s no need for a bland diet unless you have a specific, diagnosed reason to suspect a food allergy or intolerance in the baby (e.g., bloody stools, severe eczema, extreme fussiness).

Better advice: Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Unless you notice a clear and consistent reaction in your baby to a specific food, there’s no need to restrict your diet.

9. “YOUR MILK IS TOO WEAK/WATERY/NOT ENOUGH FOR THE BABY”

Why it’s bad: This is a myth with no scientific basis. The composition of your breastmilk changes during a feed (from foremilk to hindmilk) and over time to meet your baby’s exact nutritional needs. It is perfectly designed for your infant.

Better advice: Your body makes exactly what your baby needs. The look of expressed milk (which can vary in color and separate when stored) is not an indicator of its quality.

THE GOLDEN RULE OF BREASTFEEDING ADVICE

If the advice makes you doubt your body, your baby, or your bond, or if it causes pain and stress, it’s likely bad advice.

Always seek help from a qualified professional an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the gold standard. They can provide personalized, evidence-based support to help you and your baby succeed.