We have all heard the term postpartum. For some mothers, it is a phase filled with joy and precious firsts. For others, it is marked by exhaustion, self-doubt, and unexpected challenges. And for many, it can be deeply traumatic.
The truth is that childbirth, breastfeeding, and the postpartum journey are experiences that are difficult to fully understand unless one has lived through them. Behind the images of a smiling mother and newborn often lie stories of physical pain, emotional struggles, and immense pressure to “do everything right.”
One such story is that of Niveditha (name changed). Five months after giving birth, she was struggling with low breast milk supply. Determined to breastfeed her baby, she tried everything she was advised to do — medication, Ayurvedic remedies, dietary changes, and suggestions from doctors, family members, and friends. Nothing seemed to help. Then, in desperation, a relative suggested an extreme and harmful practice: burning her breasts in the belief that it would increase milk production.
Breast size does not determine how much milk a mother can produce for her baby. Photograph: (Gurgaon Moms)
Sadly, Niveditha’s experience is not an isolated one. Across India, countless mothers silently navigate misinformation, unsolicited advice, guilt, and unrealistic expectations around breastfeeding.
As we observe World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August), this story aims to separate fact from fiction by examining some of the most common myths surrounding breastfeeding and what science actually says.
Myth 1: ‘If you have small breasts, you won’t produce enough milk.’
Fact: Breast size has very little to do with milk production. The amount of milk a mother produces depends primarily on how often and effectively the baby breastfeeds. Frequent feeding and proper latch stimulate milk production — not breast size.
Myth 2: ‘Many women simply don’t make enough breast milk.’
Fact: True low milk supply is uncommon. Most mothers can produce enough milk for their babies if breastfeeding is established correctly. Issues such as poor latch, infrequent feeding, or incorrect positioning are far more common reasons for perceived low milk supply.
Myth 3: ‘Breastfeeding is supposed to hurt.’
Fact: While mild discomfort during the first few days is normal, persistent pain is not. Ongoing pain often indicates problems such as poor latch, incorrect positioning, or an infection, all of which can usually be treated with professional support.
Myth 4: ‘Formula milk is just as good as breast milk.’
Fact: Infant formula is a safe alternative when breastfeeding isn’t possible, but it cannot replicate breast milk’s antibodies, immune cells, enzymes and other bioactive compounds that protect babies from infections and support healthy development.
Myth 5: ‘Once you return to work, you have to stop breastfeeding.’
Fact: Many mothers continue breastfeeding successfully after returning to work by expressing and storing breast milk. Supportive workplaces, flexible schedules, and proper storage techniques can make continued breastfeeding possible.
Myth 6: ‘Breastfeeding should stop once the baby starts eating solid foods.’
Fact: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. After that, complementary foods should be introduced while breastfeeding continues for up to two years or beyond, as long as both mother and child wish.
Myth 7: ‘Burning or massaging the breasts helps increase milk supply.’
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that burning the breasts, applying excessive heat, or vigorous massage increases milk production. Such practices can cause burns, pain, tissue damage, and infection. The most effective way to improve milk supply is through frequent breastfeeding or expressing milk, along with guidance from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.
Myth 8: ‘Colostrum (the first yellow milk) should be discarded.’
Fact: Colostrum is often called a baby’s “first vaccine” because it is packed with antibodies, nutrients, and immune factors that protect newborns against infections. It should always be fed to the baby.
