1st–7th August 2025
Since 1992, World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) has served as a global reminder that breastfeeding is key to lifelong health and development. Backed by WHO, UNICEF, and global health leaders, this year’s theme “Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the Future” highlights the need for sustained support for mothers and babies through every stage of their breastfeeding journey.
What are the most common misconceptions you’ve heard about breastfeeding and how do you bust them?
Misconception“If the baby cries a lot, you don’t have enough milk.”
Reality:
Crying is not always hunger-related.
Babies cry for many reasons like tiredness, overstimulation, or discomfort.
Weight gain and wet diapers are better indicators of milk supply.
Break it:
In most cases, breastfeeding should continue. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect the baby from the mother’s illness.
Myth: “You should stop once the baby turns 1.”
Truth: WHO recommends breastfeeding for at least 2 years, along with complementary food.
If you consume more milk, your milk flow for baby will increase!
Myth: Breasts are too small (or big) to make enough milk.
Truth: Breast size doesn’t affect milk supply. Milk production is about demand and nursing often helps build and maintain it.
Myth: Colostrum isn’t real milk.
Truth: Colostrum is powerful and perfectly rich in antibodies and nutrients. It’s exactly what the baby needs in those first days.
[ Misconception ]- It is very commonly assumed that new mothers will feel an immediate overwhelming emotional connection with the child through the process of breastfeeding and if she’s not feeling, then there’s something wrong with her.
[ Truth ] - Several new mothers report anxiety and even sometimes emotional detachment during the period of early breastfeeding (mostly due to postpartum depression, stress, and pain/tiredness in the body. Emotional bonding with a newborn takes time and it is not solely defined by breastfeeding. The bonding develops over time through eye-contact, touch, care, and presence. It is very significant to understand and exhibit empathy to a new mother by understanding this condition, as the myth above is extremely prevalent even in today’s world.
Myth is breast feeling always hurts. but the truth is pain in early stage is common but the pain will not continue.
Many believe breastfeeding is easy and natural, but it often takes practice and support. Others think small breasts mean less milk or that moms can’t take meds—both false. Some also assume formula is equal to breast milk, but breast milk offers unique immune benefits. Education helps bust these myths.
So many womens feel guilt over breastfeeding - not producing enough, not doing it right way, or supporting early, But the truth is there is no one right way. What matters is a healthy baby and a supported mom.
Many people think formula milk is always better or that mothers can’t breastfeed if they’re stressed, both are not true.
Breastmilk has natural antibodies and stress doesn’t stop milk; support and knowledge really help moms continue breastfeeding.
Misconception: you need to give water to baby along with the breast milk , especially in summer
Reality: Breast milk is alone enough - even in hot weather
The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”. This theme highlights the importance of breastfeeding for both individual health and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the need for strong, long-term support systems for breastfeeding mothers,
One of the most common misconceptions I’ve heard is:
“You can’t breastfeed if you’re sick or stressed.”
But the truth is, breast milk actually provides antibodies that help protect the baby when the mother is unwell. And while stress might slightly reduce milk flow, it doesn’t spoil the milk—support and rest can help improve both emotional and physical outcomes.
Another one is
“Breastfeeding makes your body weak.”
In fact, it helps the uterus return to normal, burns calories, and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
We need more awareness, less judgement, and continuous encouragement so that more mothers feel confident and supported in their breastfeeding journey.
Myth : If the baby feeds frequently, you’re not making enough milk.
Fact: Frequent feeding is normal, especially during growth spurts. It helps build and maintain supply.
Myth not having enough milk but the fact is babies need little milk in early stages . Myth breast feeding should be avoided when not well but it can be done with the proper precautions and medical supervision
Many mothers thinks feeding ruin the breast shape but the fact it changes naturally with pregnancy and weight fluctuations not from breast feeding
A lot of people presume that nursing causes breasts to sag, yet this is a misunderstanding. Based on scientific research, variables that include genetic makeup and pregnancy have a significantly bigger effect on breast form alterations than nursing.
Yet another common myth is the belief that nursing requires no effort since it’s natural. Breastfeeding is a skill that both the baby and the mother need to develop; thus, early assistance might make a big impact in boosting confidence and ensuring success.
Many people still believe myths like “formula is better” or “you can’t breastfeed if you’re sick or stressed.” But the truth is, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies, even in tough times. We need more awareness and support to bust these myths and help mothers feel confident in their breastfeeding journey.
Myth: Firm breast indicates enough milk supply, while soft breast indicates poor milk supply.
Truth: Breast firmness or softness is not an indicator of milk supply. While breasts may feel firmer initially, they soften as milk supply adjust to the baby’s needs.
Myth:
You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding
Fact: Breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, but it’s not a reliable form of birth control. Mothers can still get pregnant while breastfeeding.
