Breastfeeding comes with more unsolicited advice, old wives' tales, and well-meaning misinformation than almost any other parenting topic. Some of it is harmless. Some of it leads moms to stop breastfeeding earlier than they wanted to or spend weeks stressing over something that was never a problem. Here is a clear look at some of the most common myths and what the research actually says.
Myth: Small Breasts Cannot Produce Enough Milk
The facts: Breast size has no bearing on milk-producing capacity. Breast size is determined primarily by the amount of fatty tissue, which plays no role in milk production. Milk is produced by glandular tissue, which is present in all breast sizes. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics both affirm that the vast majority of mothers are physiologically capable of producing sufficient milk for their babies, regardless of breast size. If supply challenges arise, the cause is almost never anatomy.
Myth: You Cannot Breastfeed if You Have Flat or Inverted Nipples
The facts: Many moms with flat or inverted nipples breastfeed successfully. Babies latch onto the breast, not just the nipple, and with the right positioning, support, and latch technique, most nipple variations do not prevent nursing. A lactation consultant can provide hands-on guidance for positioning strategies and tools that help. In the early days, nipple stimulation through pumping can also help draw out the nipple before feeds. Contact a Storkpump IBCLC at askanIBCLC@storkpump.com for personalized support if nipple shape has been a concern for you.
Myth: If Your Baby Feeds Frequently, You Do Not Have Enough Milk
The facts: Frequent feeding is normal newborn behavior and is not a reliable indicator of low supply. Newborns have small stomachs, digest breast milk quickly, and feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours as a matter of normal development. Cluster feeding, growth spurts, and comfort nursing all drive frequent feeding regardless of how much milk is available. The most reliable indicators of adequate intake are weight gain and diaper output, not feeding frequency. Research consistently identifies perceived low milk supply as one of the leading reasons moms wean early, even when supply is clinically adequate.
Myth: You Need to Drink Milk to Make Milk
The facts: Milk production does not require dairy consumption. What does support supply is adequate overall calorie and fluid intake, which you get from any balanced diet. Dairy is a source of calcium and protein, but both are available from many other foods. Moms who are dairy-free, lactose intolerant, or vegan are entirely capable of producing nutritious breast milk on a well-planned diet. If you have questions about nutrition during breastfeeding, your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian can give you personalized guidance.
Myth: Pumping Output Tells You Exactly How Much Milk You Have
The facts: Pumping output is influenced by so many variables that it is a poor stand-alone measure of overall supply. Flange fit, pump quality, time of day, stress levels, hydration, and how recently you last nursed or pumped all affect how much you collect in any given session. A well-latched baby removes milk significantly more efficiently than most pumps. Many moms with abundant supply pump small amounts between feeds because the baby is emptying the breast thoroughly. Use the Storkpump Flange Sizing Guide to rule out fit as a factor before drawing conclusions about supply from pump output alone.
Myth: Breastfeeding Should Not Hurt at All
The facts: There is an important distinction between normal early sensitivity and pain that signals a problem. Some nipple tenderness in the first week or two as your body adjusts is common and expected. Sharp, persistent pain throughout a feed, nipple damage, or pain between feeds is not normal and is almost always a sign that something, usually latch or fit, needs to be adjusted. The nuance matters because moms who are told breastfeeding should never hurt may feel something is uniquely wrong with them during the normal adjustment period, while moms who are told pain is always normal may push through correctable problems that lead to early weaning. If you are experiencing pain, visiting the Storkpump Learning Center for latch and fit resources is a good first step.
Myth: You Have to Pump and Dump After Having a Drink
The facts: Pumping and dumping does not clear alcohol from your system any faster. Alcohol leaves breast milk at exactly the same rate it leaves your bloodstream, and only time accomplishes that. According to the LactMed database maintained by the National Library of Medicine, waiting approximately 2 hours per standard drink before nursing is the evidence-based approach. Pumping during that window can be useful for maintaining supply or relieving discomfort if you need to skip a feed, but the milk should be discarded in that case for timing reasons, not because pumping speeds up clearance.
Myth: Once Your Supply Drops, You Cannot Bring It Back
The facts: Milk supply is responsive and can often be rebuilt even after a significant dip. Increasing the frequency and thoroughness of milk removal through more nursing or pumping sessions, hands-on pumping techniques, and consistent schedules can stimulate the body to produce more. The earlier a supply dip is addressed, the more responsive the system typically is. Working with an IBCLC when you notice a change makes recovery significantly more likely than waiting to see if it resolves on its own. Browse insurance-covered pumps on Storkpump to make sure you have a pump with adequate suction for rebuilding work, and connect with our IBCLC team at askanIBCLC@storkpump.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does most breastfeeding misinformation come from?
Most myths circulate through well-meaning family members, outdated advice from older generations, and online forums where personal experience is generalized as universal truth. Some myths also persist because they contain a partial truth that gets oversimplified. The most reliable sources for breastfeeding guidance are IBCLCs, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the CDC. Visit the Storkpump FAQ for answers to common questions grounded in current evidence.
How do I find evidence-based breastfeeding support?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is the gold standard for personalized breastfeeding support. IBCLCs complete extensive clinical training and are held to evidence-based practice standards. A Storkpump IBCLC is available to answer your questions at askanIBCLC@storkpump.com, and the Storkpump about page has more information about our lactation team.
Sources
- Riddle, S. W., & Nommsen-Rivers, L. A. (2017). Low milk supply and the pediatrician. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 29(2), 249-256. https://doi.org/10.1097/mop.0000000000000468
- National Library of Medicine. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Alcohol. Last revised June 15, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501469/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/about/index.html
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