World Breastfeeding Week 2025: Debunking Breastfeeding Myths

In 2023 , Italian MP Gilda Sportiello made history by becoming the first woman minister in the world to breastfeed her baby in parliament. Her Act has slapped the face of people who see breastfeeding in public places as taboo.

Breastfeeding is an integral part of the motherhood journey. Guidelines from UNICEF and the WHO strongly recommend that new moms should breastfeed their babies. It's scientifically proven that as a newborn grows, a mother’s breast milk changes to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. Children who were properly breastfed by their mothers have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

In this breastfeeding week 2025, MUMYU will debunk the common breastfeeding myths to make your motherhood journey smooth and stress-free.

World Breastfeeding Week 2025: Debunking Breastfeeding Myths

Debunking the 6 Common Breastfeeding Myths

1. MYTH: I’m not making enough milk to meet my baby’s needs

Often, new mom Perceive they are not producing enough milk for their baby and feel guilty. But according to research, the majority of mothers are biologically able to produce milk that will fulfil the baby's requirements.  According to NIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) experts, milk volumes vary from 440 to 1,220 ml per 24 hours in breastfeeding women, and the baby consumes 63–72% of available milk per feed. If you are nursing your baby and the milk is removed, then your body will give signals to produce more milk. But remember that feeding should be on demand as recommended by the WHO.

2. MYTH: Since I’m breastfeeding, I can’t take any medication

It is true that in some conditions you should avoid breastfeeding because sometimes chances are there that your disease will transfer to your baby through breastmilk, but that was in rare cases, like HIV, TB, Brucellosis and cancer but in common mild health issue like Cold or cough, Mild fever, Headaches or migraines and Seasonal flu you can take medication and breastfeed at the same time. But before taking new medicine it is always better to consult doctor for safety of your baby.

3. MYTH: I worry that my breast size might prevent me from breastfeeding

Worrying about the size of your breasts is a complete waste of time. According to medical research and lactation experts like Dr. Radhamany K and Dr. Kinjal Avdhut Kothari, how much milk your breasts can produce is not related to your breast size but depends on milk-producing glands and ducts. The size of your breast is dependent on the amount of fatty tissue, not on the number of milk glands. So there is no need to worry.

4. MYTH: Mothers with flat or inverted nipples can't successfully breastfeed

While it is true that flat or inverted nipples might make the initial latch a bit more difficult, but with proper latch technique and support, you can breastfeed your baby effectively. Most importantly, the baby's mouth and tongue move in a way that helps to suction and extract milk even from flatter nipples. But to make your breastfeeding journey smooth, you can use breast shells or nipple shields, or start nipple stimulation before feeding.

5. MYTH: There isn’t enough breast milk for the baby during the first few days postpartum

This breastfeeding myth is entirely wrong because, in reality, mothers produce a special kind of breast milk immediately after birth, which is called colostrum. And many trusted organizations like WHO and UNICEF recommend mothers to feed colostrum to newborns because it is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and immune factors, and around 2 to 5 days postpartum, the Milk supply naturally increases, which is sufficient for small stomachs.

6. MYTH: There’s no added value to breastfeeding once infants are on solids

In the real world, mothers continue to breastfeed their babies even at the age of 4 years. Major paediatric associations like the American Academy of Paediatrics and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics recommend continued breastfeeding as it helps the baby to build immunity and gives protection against chronic diseases. According to research, breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Summary

The Breastfeeding Week 2025 theme, Prioritizing Breastfeeding and Creating Sustainable Support Systems, emphasizes the idea that breastfeeding is not just a personal act, but it is a tool to create a healthy future for the growing economy.

And through our small effort, MUMYU is making the mothers' breastfeeding journey more convenient. Check out our exclusive collection of Maternity wear and Nursing Dresses.

Also, read our article on 5 Natural Remedies to ease breast pain.

Happy breastfeeding journey