Worry: “My breasts are too small (or too big) to breastfeed.”
Fact: Breast size doesn’t matter. Large breasts store more milk, and small ones make milk faster.
Worry: “I’m scared of sore nipples.”
Fact: It is true that many, if not most, women will experience sore nipples for the first week as lactation starts. But the soreness usually does go away within days- good latch and positioning can help. Worry: “I’m going to have to go back to work.”
Fact: Even if you only have a few weeks of maternity leave, it’s better to have breastfed and stopped than never tried at all. Your baby will get health benefits, and you may be able to continue by pumping or nursing part-time.
Worry: “Nursing for too long on one side will make your bust saggy.”
Fact: Especially in the first weeks, feeding on demand and letting your baby nurse on each side until he’s finished is critical for getting milk supply established. Trying to limit feedings may slow down production and weigh your bust down in the process. So nurse early and often!
Fiction: “My breasts will become public property.”
Truth: Yes, lactation consultants may take you in hand in the hospital, and of course you’ll have a little person sucking on them. But your body is still yours, and you always have the right to decide what to do with it.
And when it comes to nursing in public places, reports of clucking strangers are exaggerated. All you need is a good nursing shirt or large scarf or wrap to keep prying eyes from telling the difference between a nurse and a cuddle.
