With Christmas fast approaching I thought it would be a good time to bust some of the breastfeeding myths. When I had my first baby I thought there were all these things that I couldn’t do, eat or drink, but it turns out that most of it was utter rubbish!
MYTH 1 – YOU CAN’T DRINK ALCOHOL
Actually, breastfeeding mothers can drink occasional, small amounts of alcohol, according to the Breastfeeding Network. I rarely drink alcohol at all these days, maybe once a month and even then I drink it reeeeally slowly. At Christmas I will most certainly be enjoying a glass of bubbly with my lunch!
MYTH 2 – YOU CAN’T EAT SPROUTS
With my first baby I had the blandest diet ever as I avoided garlic, chilli, onion, brocolli, all sorts of foods that people told me I shouldn’t eat. With my second and third babies I ate everything. If your baby seems fussy or has an upset tummy after you’ve eaten something it might be related, but there’s no need to put a preemptive ban on foods if there hasn’t been an issue.
MYTH 3 – YOU CAN’T EAT OUT
I’ve heard mums say they’d love to go out for a meal with their baby over Christmas but are worried that they won’t be able to breastfeed in the restaurant. You absolutely can! You can pretty much breastfeed anywhere and most people won’t care - if they do, then that is their issue, not yours - but honestly, I have fed three babies in restaurants and never had anyone even take a second glance.
MYTH 4 – YOU CAN’T DRESS UP
There are loads of amazing brands of nursing wear on the market now producing beautiful and stylish clothes for breastfeeding mothers, and there is something out there for all budgets. There are even cool accessories that you can use to make your regular clothes breastfeeding-friendly! Breastfeeding doesn't mean you can't wear trendy clothes, in fact many of my favourite outfits are actually from maternity brands!
MYTH 5 – YOU CAN’T TAKE MEDICATION
There’s no need to worry about getting a headache or suffering from indigestion over Christmas as lots of medicines are perfectly safe to take whilst breastfeeding! Your GP can tell you, the Breastfeeding Network has some fantastic drugs factsheets that you can check, or you can call the Drugs In Breastmilk Helpline 0844 412 4665.
What other myths have you been told?
Originally published 01/12/2015; Updated 03/12/2020
Fantastic Sian - I will most definitely be indulging in a beverage whilst wearing my stylish milk and mummy dress!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I wonder where the majority of these myths came from originally. Those with a vested interest in women not breastfeeding, I suspect... I remember someone telling me that I shouldn't breastfeed when I was ill because the germs would pass through my milk! I very swiftly put them right on that one.
ReplyDeleteThe breastfeeding myths are as silly as the pregnancy ones aren't they? I'm pregnant this Christmas and will possibly still be breastfeeding by next Christmas but the thought of not going out your celebrate the season wouldn't even occur!xx
ReplyDeleteMy favorite one is she's only feeding so much cos she's not getting enough... Made me feel brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the spouts one though comments about how folks don't like sprout has put me off having a go.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that breastfeeding is responsible for some children not sleeping through is one that makes me laugh and gets me talking a lot of the time.
#CelebratingBreastfeeding (Glad to finally be getting around to reading and commenting)
#BritMumsBreastfeedingRoundUp 2 (watch out for my tweet when it's live later in the week)