Debunking 10 Breastfeeding MYTHS || Pain, Birth Control, Extended Feeding & More

Let's look at some common breastfeeding myths that I hear while working with new families (or let's be real, advice from older family members). Hopefully going over these will give you more confidence in your body's ability to feed your baby and when to seek help for an easier and more enjoyable breastfeeding relationship.
Had you heard or believed any of these myths? Any other myths you've heard? Definitely share them in the comments?
Are you interested in trying out the beaugen cushions? Use the code NURSEZABE for 15% off www.beaugen.com?aff=nursezabe&
Flange Ruler: pumpables.co/p...
Check out my instagram for more educational content:
/ nursezabe
Thank you to Beaugen for partnering with me for this video. Always happy to support a brand and product I use and love!

[@ElizabethChronis]

I got pregnant before my period came back … it was about a year later, but still didn’t have a period between babies. It was so weird to keep being asked, “so, you don’t know when your last period was?” … no, I know when it was, it’s just not a useful date 😅

[@Nurse_zabe]

Bahahah. I just opened up my period tracker and I’m 659 days late for my period. 😂😂

[@ElizabethChronis]

@@Nurse_zabe … mine doesn’t tell me how ‘late’ I am, but I’m in day 788 & my period should start tomorrow 🤣

[@jean-marievanheerden4925]

Got pregnant while breastfeeding 🫣

[@kelly1827]

The point you made about "You ovulate before you get your 1st period"? We named ours Brigid Rose 😆💕

[@jas2139]

i was so surprised when nursing didn’t hurt because all i heard my entire pregnancy is “breastfeeding hurts” “your nipples will be cracked and bleeding” “you’re gonna be in so much pain”! it hurt for the first couple days because my daughter didn’t have a good latch, but once we fixed the latch it never hurt again!

[@nattyh.6168]

THANK YOU for that comment on breastmilk not losing nutritional value at a year!!!! My dietician said exactly that, I need to feed my 1 year old cow milk and not my milk. I obviously didn’t listen to that bc I knew better but aaahhhhh. So wrong!!!

[@LimegreenSnowstorm]

Bless you, Nurse Zabe, for the tip about lifting the head for a better latch! I love breastfeeding (it’s so magical and special) but was starting to dread it because it hurt so much. I tried your tip on the last couple feeds and they’re already going more smoothly! Bless you, bless you ❤

[@aprilsummers9930]

I had an IBCLC tell me to use size 27mm flanges!! Then I ended up getting sized and was a 19! 😳 Also thanks for mentioning that weight loss is not a given with breastfeeding. I exclusively breast fed both my boys and I do not lose ANY weight and have even gained weight this time. Breastfeeding makes me so hungry, all the time, especially in the first several months.

[@roar44879]

Breastfeeding hurt for me in the beginning-- FTM here, but I had the lactation specialist there saying baby is latched well but I thought it hurt so much, but it didn't last after the first day. When I got my first period back, 6 month PP, breastfeeding hurt during that too for about a week. Now my baby has teeth and my right boob hurts when nursing because baby keeps biting me and I have a scab and tender skin near the nipple now.

[@Kristin_C]

Great timing! I'm breastfeeding my one month old as I watch this ☺️

[@MrMilokiki]

Same!

[@Kristin_C]

@@MrMilokiki congrats mama! ❤

[@harveyandabeni]

I'm 32 weeks today with my second baby (my first baby is now 11 years old!) and I cannot wait to breastfeed again!

[@meskeremanteneh8303]

You know what I see your video today that you post 4 years before. And I find you to subscribe because you are so kind and nice nurse .

[@arini40]

Your point about mixed feeding is sooooo true. I too thought that if I give him formula sometimes then that's it, I failed and he'll never be exclusively breastfed. This was also what the lactation consultant implied in the hospital (UK) when I dared to offer him some formula after he constantly cried for days out of hunger. We managed to switch to breastmilk only when he was around 1 month old. :)

[@ohgeezhannah]

My 3rd was a pre-first period ovulation baby! I didn't find out until I was 8 weeks along, and I went to the doctor thinking I had a brain tumor or something because I had migraines and was throwing up all the time 😂

[@Allthingsbrightandwonderful]

Hey zabe :) thanks for another video, I really enjoy watching your videos! I would love to see a video that focuses on formula feeding babies and tips and myths etc for us mums who are unable to breast feed xx Greetings from Australia

[@clairetrombleymolohon8495]

OK but I'm almost 17 months pp and still haven't gotten a period. No longer pump at work, only nurse to sleep/night wakings.. I was gone for 2 weeks for work do I was sure I would ovulate. Apparently not. But I'm definitely wanting another baby... but not ready to be done nursing 😩

[@catinabox3048]

I have a friend who breastfed her oldest until she was at least four and a half. Then she had another baby while still breastfeeding, so I assume the priority at the breast now goes to the baby. I definitely will not be breastfeeding that long. I think breastfeeding is great, but at age 32, childless, and wanting multiple kids (currently starting IVF after two years of actively trying), the most I'm willing to space my kids apart is three years. Also, to each their own, but I find the idea of my kids REMEMBERING their breastfeeding days to be kinda weird.

[@graceluke_]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I’ve been binging your older series lately, can’t wait to watch this one.

[@bryncheeze8970]

Watching this video while my 10month old is literally dancing while latched to me, the breastfeeding doesn't hurt. Baby losing their balance and popping off the nipple can be uncomfortable though 😅

[@MamaNadoosh]

Do you have a video about how to gently wean baby from breastfeeding? I have no idea how I will do it when time comes 😅

[@christinemartin7819]

My son's birthday is coming up and I see no sign of him slowing down the breastfeeding. I'm glad I watched this because I don't see the need to wean him.

[@chkimpton]

Why does let down hurt? Baby has excellent latch, nipples don’t hurt but let down is awful even 7.5months in

[@caitlinp8599]

Do you get professionally sized for flange size by a lactation consultant or by who?

[@Ishyona]

I wasn't able to breastfeed my girl because she wouldn't latch. She didn't latch to a bottle either. I ended up exclusively pumping and syringe feeding her until she finally took a bottle at 3 months old. Then I continued to pump for her until she was a year old. She had no physical issues, she just wasn't interested in milk. She'd never even wake or cry when she was hungry until she started solids. I kept trying the breast first up till 5 months old, in which she rarely latched and never drained a boob. In the beginning I had to set alarms to feed her every 4 hours. Babies are wild how different they all are. I hope I'm able to breast feed my next one.

[@theassassinnox]

My little one will be 6 months tomorrow. Started my period yesterday. Yay for being "on time"? Thanks for some cool info!

[@citychicken9949]

Gained so much weight breast feeding because I was hungry ALL. THE. TIME. Lol. Once my daughter weaned my appetite went back to normal and started losing weight, slowly. But now I have to work at losing the extra weight I gained because I just don't have the time to cook like I did before I had my kid LOL

[@LimegreenSnowstorm]

Losing it at the Taladega Nights scene XD That’s my baby 100%! Baby: (screaming) Moooom someone’s hands keep getting in the way and I can’t feed! Me: Yes honey those are your hands

[@valeriepark9444]

At 40 weeks tomorrow, and I already bought every size flange available for the Spectra, plus the Beugens! I have one of each packed in the baby bag for the hospital, so that the lactation consultant and I can figure out which one fits best.

[@amandastuart5712]

omg that is SO smart!

[@valeriepark9444]

@@amandastuart5712 lol thank you! I've also collected every nipple cream, mask, and shield, just to have on hand in case I need them. I had always planned to breastfeed, but now with no other options...

[@lindsaykat3675]

My dad is 11 months younger than his sister because my grandma's doctor said she couldn't get pregnant while breastfeeding. My period came back 3 days after my daughter turned 2 months despite exclusively breastfeeding. I wonder if it's genetic.

[@LimegreenSnowstorm]

Huh… my pump came with a 24 mm and it fits real well, but I’m wondering if the Nicole shield I got at the hospital was too small. My nipple doesn’t really fit in it, but I didn’t even think there were different sizes!

[@athaleaclaypool8388]

I struggled for 4wks nursing my daughter.. and our hospital provided lactation consultants..‘I went 3x because I couldn’t figure out why I was hurting so bad..‘I would literally cry everytime she nursed.. turns out I have raynauds syndrome in both breasts..

[@athaleaclaypool8388]

This was “helped” with some medication! And I was able to nurse almost 8months before I just couldn’t get enough milk for her, and she 4 teeth 😑

[@pinds83]

So, I know that breastfeeding isn't supposed to hurt and that cracked/blistered/bruised nipples aren't normal. However, my nipples are just extra sensitive. I am currently 33 weeks pregnant with my second baby and throughout both of my pregnancies, my nipples have been SO PAINFULLY SORE. 😭 When I had my first daughter, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. I was bound and determined to do it. (And I did end up BF for 18 months, thankfully.) The problem was, my nipples hurt so badly that I sobbed through nearly every feeding for the first 2+ months. I had no injury to my nipples at all. It just...hurt. So, I'm wanting to breastfeed my second baby, but I am dreading those first few months. I'm really scared that it will be painful again. Is there anything I can do? Would nipple shields help? Or do you have any other ideas?

[@LimegreenSnowstorm]

I know I’m not nurse zabe, but you could try exclusively pumping perhaps? Since pumps aren’t nearly as painful and your baby still gets the benefits of breast milk. Or perhaps see an IBCLC and see if they can help get it just right for minimal pain. I hope you’re able to have the experience you want without pain! Remember fed is best ❤ and your health and happiness are right up there with baby’s. I’m rooting for you, mama!

[@christinawilliams2900]

I know this video is old, but I’m now pregnant with my second baby and I want to try exclusively breastfeeding and not really relying on my pump. My first baby had perfect latch but my nipples could never get firm enough for him to get on right. Is there something I can do to fix that? I thought about a nipple shield, is that a good option?

[@baileyb4305]

I had my first period at 6 weeks postpartum 😆 even though I was exclusively breastfeeding!! My baby would nurse like every 3 hours 🤦‍♀️

[@MetBySunlight]

With my first baby it took just over 2 years to come back but only 8 weeks for my second 😭😭

[@Oddsocks99]

I did too! I was furious! 😂

[@melaniespotten3209]

So I'm in the 3rd trimester of my second pregnancy and am breastfeeding my 1 year old son. A lot of things I read about tandem nursing said I might experience pain while breastfeeding during the first trimester, but I never did. Then about half way through the second trimester it started to hurt and has only gotten worse. Could this be normal nipple tenderness from pregnancy or could my son's latch have changed? (He was born with a tongue tie but we got it revised and breastfeeding was going great when I got pregnant again.)

[@kesamber]

I was told by my OBGYN that breastfeeding while pregnant could be risky to the fetus. He said that there is not conclusive evidence either way and that I should wean my 15 month-old so that my pregnancy has the best chance. My little guy loves breastfeeding, so this was pretty upsetting to hear. Any thoughts?

[@Nurse_zabe]

I’d chat with a lactation consultant in your area and your OB again. But my understanding is that with a low risk pregnancy it is totally ok to continue to nurse. Your older kiddo might not like the change in amount or when it changes back to colostrum, though

[@korinacarter5803]

I’m starting my journey in surrogacy… would you mind talking about as much as you know about it? Pleeeeassseee

[@YvaineFra]

Can the output adjustment occur earlier than 12w? Currently at 8w postpartum and some days I feel engorged and some days not, not necessarily related with how good the baby nursed

[@lindsaykat3675]

This is totally normal. Your body is still trying to figure it out. It will get to a more consistent level in a month or two.

[@Liriand]

My cousin got pregnant while breastfeeding, and thus her kids are *very* close in age. Nothing wrong with that, but if you don't want that.. Because of this, I was SUPER STRICT with my spouse that we needed to use a condom EVERY TIME. And we did. And the second we stopped to start trying for our second (30 days left until due date 😳) i got pregnant. So there's that.

[@rebeccabiles9640]

Hi. 6 months postpartum here. Just getting my period back and my supply has plummeted! Hopefully temporary but is this going to happen every month? Also, for the first time ever my nipples are hurting when I pump. So I really don’t want to increase my pumping to get more milk 😫

[@cherrylicious2]

I bought this "upMilk" supplement from Target, I think it comes in chocolate & some other flavor; I definitely noticed a change in my supply. I basically dried up overnight & gave this a try & it is helping me keep some supply going.

[@GenerationYoga]

Great info! Really appreciated this video 👌🏻 Any advice on clogged milk ducts? ...I have 2 on my right that can take forever to let down. ty

[@Nurse_zabe]

I have a video on clogs! But also google breast gymnastics for a great new technique!

[@kellydarling1]

One myth that I get ALL THE FREAKING TIME is blaming my son’s sleep problems on breastfeeding. My son is 2 and wakes a lot in the night and gets up super early. And so many times people are like, “Oh I wonder if it’s connected to breastfeeding.” Well first off, I wonder why you don’t mind your own business and secondly I can think of at least 3 other contributing factors

[@hannahmccall2141]

Can you please make a video about baby sleep regression?🙏🙏 I am having the hardest time with my baby and I’ve tried everything!

[@cherrylicious2]

White noise machine? There's a machine with different-colored lights & different sounds that works for me. Or even a mobile's soft music? Just offering some suggestions.

[@maayanamrusi8572]

amazing video!!!

[@alexap3361]

Question for a future video: Can you tell me why in the world OBs are calculating estimated due date by counting 40 weeks from the first day of your last period? If your ovulation cycle is functioning normally, you would not have been fertile nor conceived on that first day of your period. Pregnant with my second and still dumbfounded that this is really the way they come up with this! Also, do you think we will ever come to say that babies can be full term in a range of weeks, rather than stating concretely that full term is 40 weeks? Wondering if that is related again to the wishy-washy estimated due date, or if we really need to catch up with the science that perhaps babies can be completely healthy and full term in, not sure what an accurate range should be, but let’s say 36-42 weeks. Love your videos and would love your insight! P.S. Sorry to make this super long but a quick Google search shows preterm is before 37 weeks. That just strikes me as so unscientific. I would think there is a wide range of criteria (underdeveloped lungs, low birth weight, etc) that would determine a baby is preterm, not an arbitrary week they were born. I am just hung up on this and wondering your thoughts 😅

[@alena4212]

Hello!! Question!!! So I had to supplement my entire BF journey due to never making enough milk. I give baby all the milk I make then supplement. She is 6 months and eats food twice a day, sleeps through the night and my milk supply dropped in half to barley making 2- 2 1/2 ounces total. Is it possible to still increase my supply this far into my journey?? Also, I lost 20 lbs giving birth then gained like 10 lbs since breastfeeding. I am STARVING all the time haha Also got my period at 3 months and has been consistent 😅

[@Nurse_zabe]

It is possible! I definitely recommend meeting with an IBCLC, but also you might pump at least once overnight. Our prolactin levels are highest between 1 and 5 AM. Which I know definitely is not fun to interrupt sleep. Either way, you are doing amazing things for your baby by continuing to give them breast milk. And that 2 to 2 1/2 ounces really does make a difference!

[@alena4212]

@@Nurse_zabe Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you 💕💕 I truly appreciate you making these videos and taking time to help other mommies 💛💛 My insurance covers a lactation conduction so I will contact her 😅😅 Thank you again 🥰

[@cherylannhall178]

Not a myth, just a question, at what point in a pregnancy should you stop breastfeeding an older sibling? You said (inter)national average is 4 years but I wouldn't guess a mama to want to let the older kiddo get the colostrum made for the littlest one if they're still nursing an older 'baby'.

[@jellybeankisser]

You don't have to stop

[@cherylannhall178]

@@jellybeankisser I'm not sure you read the reason behind the question. I know you don't HAVE to stop, but tandem feeding would change how much colostrum the infant would get and since that is so nutritionally beneficial, what would be an appropriate time to stop breastfeeding an older sibling so he/she isn't getting the colostrum.

[@gracecoburn9633]

Which cultures believe colostrum is dirty?

[@mojomaniac23]

Is it true that you make more milk with each pregnancy? Thanks for the video!

[@20charactersorless]

This happened with me. I had to supplement with my first until my milk supply built up. With the 2nd I had such an oversupply that I ended up with clogs and mastitis (I should have been pumping the excess...)

[@Svet-Lana2022]

I have Raynod’s Phenomena of the nipples and got that finally figured out with my third baby. I always wondered why it hurt to breastfeed. My nipples go white and hurt the whole time I’m breastfeeding! I’m also prone to yeast infections so I have gotten thrush multiple times over the years breastfeeding my kids and it hurts like no other.

[@libbycatherine]

Do you experience Raynod's in your hands and feet, too?

[@Svet-Lana2022]

@@libbycatherine Nope! It only happens a to me when I am breastfeeding my kids. My nipples will also do the pain/turning white when it’s cold outside, but only during the years when I’m breastfeeding.

[@fluffycottoncandy12]

Super helpful! I’ve never seen the beaugen but I’m super curious to try it!

[@Nurse_zabe]

They are my fav. I can’t pump without them!

[@aprilsummers9930]

I’m pretty sure my son will be wanting to nurse til age 4!! He’s 2 1/2 and shows no signs of wanting to stop. I am hoping he’ll be done by 3 but that is coming up fast and I really would like to let him self wean if possible.

[@hannahbobanna8498]

That when they get teeth you need to stop....why? Is it going to hurt you if I get bitten 🤣

[@elsie6828]

it definitely hurts, but my baby only bites if he's "playing around" while nursing; i scold him gently and remove him. ive never been bitten whilst he was truly drinking.

[@lindsaykat3675]

My baby has recently started biting, and she doesn't even have teeth yet! Yes, it hurts. But I've noticed she does it when she's done eating. So at the first bite I put away the boob.

[@Oddsocks99]

I breastfeed my almost 2yo. She has a full set of teeth. She never bites. I fed my older one until 2.5yo. I found they were only bitey when they were teething, not once the teeth were in.

[@roar44879]

It does hurt though (and can cause scabs); they are not gently bites. Glad baby doesn't do it anymore.