Test yourself on these commonly misunderstood breastfeeding issues or myths…true or false?

1. It is not realistic to exclusively breastfeed multiples, such as twins or triplets.
2. It is ok to continue to breastfeed a baby or toddler if the mother gets pregnant again.
3. It is normal for breastfeed to hurt.
4. Stop breastfeeding if the nipple cracks or bleeds.
5. Smokers should breastfeed.

Here's the answers:

1. It is not realistic to exclusively breastfeed multiples, such as twins or triplets.
FALSE
While exclusive breastfeeding is certainly not required, many mothers are able to do it. Babies can be nursed tandem (at the same time) or one after the other. Even if supplementing, giving some breast milk to each baby is great for them, especially those born prematurely. Help from a lactation professional experienced with feeding multiples can help establish good milk supply (especially if early separation due to prematurity occurs) and to learn strategies for managing time and positioning.

2. It is ok to continue to breastfeed a baby or toddler if the mother gets pregnant again.
TRUE
Many babies nurse straight through pregnancies and continue to nurse after the new baby is born. There are possible issues due to breastfeeding stimulating uterine contractions, so talk to your doctor about your specific pregnancy history (particularly of any miscarriages). Some mothers have increased nipple soreness from pregnancy hormones that makes nursing uncomfortable. For some mothers the milk changes flavor and milk goes back to colostrum at birth (or sometimes before). Therefore, babies may sometimes self wean despite best efforts. If tandem nursing after birth, always nurse the new baby first and most.

3. It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt.
FALSE (conditionally TRUE?)
While initial soreness can be normal due to minor tissue expansion of nipple, extreme pain or pain beyond 3-4 days may signal a problem so seek help. After some adjustments, usually to latch or positioning and some healing time, breastfeeding is generally painless. That said, this is a tricky question… in today’s hospital birth culture, it is important to look at the word “normal” vs. the word necessary. See my article, “Is Breastfeeding Pain Normal?” to explore this notion.

4. Stop breastfeeding if the nipple cracks or bleeds.
FALSE
There is no need to stop for baby – small amounts of blood in the milk will not hurt him or her (remember, not too long before mom and baby shared blood!). However, bleeding nipples are not normal or necessary to consult a lactation professional immediately for help with pain and healing.

5. Smokers should breastfeed.
TRUE
If mothers are going to smoke anyway, smoking and breastfeeding still beats smoking and NOT breastfeeding! But babies' exposure to smoke and nicotine can be reduced through a planned smoking protocol (see my article on Smoking and Breastfeeding).

References:
1. The Breastfeeding Answer Book, Mohrbacher and Stock, LLLI, pgs. 378-380
2. The Breastfeeding Answer Book, Mohrbacher and Stock, LLLI, pgs. 406-415
3. The Breastfeeding Answer Book, Mohrbacher and Stock, LLLI, pgs. 456-457
4. The Breastfeeding Answer Book, Mohrbacher and Stock, LLLI, pgs. 465-466
5. The Breastfeeding Answer Book, Mohrbacher and Stock, LLLI, pgs. 600-601



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