Breast-feeding: myths and facts

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There are many reasons to breast-feed your baby if you can, including health benefits for you both. The trouble is, there are so many stories and myths, it's hard to know what to believe. Here we've separated fact from fiction for you.

It'll make my boobs sag!

Myth: Unfortunately, the damage has already been done in pregnancy, with the breast shape altering because of hormones, weight gain and preparation for breast-feeding. Avoiding major changes in breast size or shape is mainly down to luck and genes. But a well-fitting bra and avoiding yo-yoing weight before and after pregnancy helps.

Breast-feeding makes you slim

Myth: Breastfeeding your newborn helps the womb contract quicker and can help post-birth bleeding stop sooner. It's been estimated that breast-feeding burns around 500 extra calories per day. It should come from the extra fat most women put on in pregnancy.
A lot of mums also report feeling very thirsty and hungry while breast-feeding and eat accordingly. For every woman who reckons
the weight just fell off while feeding, there's another who says she gained a stone. Either way, doctors strongly advise against dieting while breast-feeding.

Breast-feeding prevents pregnancy

Myth: Breast-feeding particularly in the early months, stops your period returning for some time. But this tends only to be true in mums who are breast-feeding full-time. Also, you can never be quite sure when you'll have your first post-baby period until it happens, which means that you ovulated at least two weeks before. Your doctor can prescribe a contraceptive while you're feeding. Or use other forms of contraception until you stop feeding your baby, or you want to make another!

Breast-feeding prevents cancer

Fact: There are lower levels of breast cancer in countries where more women breast-feed. Although it's not a cure, scientists have also made a link between breast-feeding and lower levels of cancer of the uterus and ovaries. It may also reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

By Morag Cuddeford-Jones