Breastfeeding myths explained part 3

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Myth: Breastfeeding hurts like crazy

Reality: Alison Spiro says, 'Many women experience a sharp, shooting pain when they first start feeding, which means that the baby is latched on to the nipple and not the areola around the nipple. If this happens, pop your finger in your baby's mouth to break the suction and get him latched on again, this time waiting until his mouth is wide open, so he's got a big mouthful of breast and isn't sucking at the tip of your nipple.'

'Breastfeeding should only be painful if your baby isn't latched on well. If it hurts, ask a midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor to come to your home and help you get the positioning right. Blocked ducts and cracked nipples are problems that do crop up now and then, but they're temporary and can be quickly sorted out so that you can get back to comfortable breastfeeding.'

Myth: You can't breastfeed if you're on medication

Reality: Many drugs, including some antibiotics for mastitis, and antidepressants, have been shown to be safe for breastfeeding, although there are some that haven't been tested yet. 'When you see your GP for any condition, tell her that you're breastfeeding so that you can be prescribed safe drugs,' says Dr Spaul.

'In general, it's thought the benefits of breastfeeding mean it's better to try to continue feeding even if you need to take medication. If in any doubt, call the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) breastfeeding helpline on 0870 444 8708.'

Myth: You can't breastfeed if you've got implants

Reality: 'You can breastfeed if you've had breast enlargements, but it may cause problems with the implants migrating to a different part of your breast. This is because the glandular breast tissue enlarges when you feed your baby,' explains breastfeeding counsellor Alison Spiro.

'Another point worth mentioning is that if you're figure conscious and worried about your breasts changing after a baby, it's not breastfeeding that causes these alterations. Simply being pregnant and producing milk means that your breasts may not be the same afterwards, whether or not you breastfeed.'

- Next: More myths - 'You can't get pregnant when you're breastfeeding'

More help and advice

- A practical guide to breastfeeding
- More advice on coping after the birth
- More tips for coping with breastfeeding
- Get in-depth info on mastitis
- I panicked when my baby stopped breastfeeding!' Read one new mum's experience
- Chat about breastfeeding with other mums