The Truth About Breastfeeding Myths: "Is a Lack of Breast Milk Due to a Lack of Effort?" Re-examining 10 Assumptions About Breastfeeding Through Science

When Well-Intentioned Advice Makes Breastfeeding Difficult

When a baby cries, people may say, "Maybe you're not producing enough milk." If breastfeeding takes a long time, they might ask, "How long will you keep breastfeeding?" If formula is used, they might suggest, "Why not try harder with breastfeeding?"

Each piece of advice may come from a place of concern, but when conflicting advice accumulates, parents may not know what to rely on.

On September 24, 2026, the German news site "AD HOC NEWS" covered widely believed advice about breastfeeding from the perspectives of midwives and pediatricians. Topics directly related to daily childcare, such as diet, frequency of breastfeeding, pain, illness, and breastfeeding duration, were discussed.

However, when debunking myths, it's important to be cautious with definitive statements. "Usually not a problem" is not the same as "safe for everyone." Using the original article as a starting point, information from public institutions is also cross-referenced to organize ten common misconceptions.

① "You shouldn't eat cabbage or onions while breastfeeding."

Some people avoid these vegetables, thinking that since they cause gas in the mother's stomach, they will also cause gas in the breastfeeding baby's stomach.

However, the gas produced in the mother's intestines does not directly transfer to breast milk. The CDC also advises that there is usually no need to uniformly restrict specific foods while breastfeeding and recommends a healthy and varied diet.

Of course, if the baby has specific symptoms and a food allergy is suspected, it's a different matter. In such cases, instead of excluding many foods based on self-judgment, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. Increasing "just in case" restrictions can lead to losing the enjoyment of meals and nutritional options.

② "Eating citrus fruits will cause diaper rash in babies."

There is a common belief that the acidity from tangerines or oranges can irritate a baby's skin through breast milk.

Germany's public children's health information site explains that there is no scientific evidence linking citrus fruits to diaper rash in babies. The advice for everyone to avoid citrus fruits as a preventive measure lacks a solid basis.

Even if there are changes in the baby while breastfeeding, it is not necessarily due to what the mother ate just before. If concerning symptoms persist, it's important to consult about the symptoms themselves rather than expanding fears about food.

③ "If a baby wants to nurse frequently, it's proof that there's not enough breast milk."

"Cluster feeding," where a baby nurses repeatedly at short intervals, is a behavior seen during breastfeeding. The frequency of nursing alone cannot determine a lack of breast milk. The stimulation of milk being drawn from the breast is part of the mechanism that supports secretion.

On the other hand, it's also inappropriate to assert that "if you let the baby nurse as often as they want, there will always be enough milk." It's important to consider not only the amount of milk secreted but also whether the baby is latching on properly and actually getting the necessary amount.

The CDC provides clues for confirmation, such as weight trends and the frequency of urination and bowel movements according to the baby's age. If weight gain is insufficient, urination is low, or there are concerns about milk intake, it's advisable to consult a midwife or pediatrician. Advice that discourages necessary supplemental nutrition, such as "if you try hard, the milk will come," should be avoided.

④ "Breastfeeding is painful, so you just have to endure it."

Some people feel discomfort when they first start breastfeeding. However, there is no need to endure severe or persistent pain as a matter of course.

UNICEF explains that supporting the way the baby is held and how they latch on can help address issues like nipple pain. Even things that are difficult to understand on your own may find a solution if someone observes the actual breastfeeding.

There is no standard for being a "good mother" based on how much pain you can endure. When pain is reported, what is needed is not words encouraging endurance but support that can confirm the cause.

⑤ "On hot days, even babies exclusively breastfed need water."

The WHO states that for infants under 6 months who are exclusively breastfed, there is generally no need to add other foods or drinks, including water. The CDC provides similar guidance even in hot climates.

What is important here is that the target is "infants under 6 months who are getting sufficient nutrition and fluids from breast milk." This is not a one-size-fits-all statement for children who have started solid foods or require medical attention due to illness.

Furthermore, "no need to add water" does not mean "it's okay to wait and see if the baby isn't drinking enough." If there are suspicions of poor feeding or dehydration, it's necessary to consult a healthcare provider rather than trying to resolve it by adding water on your own.

⑥ "If a mother gets an infection, she must stop breastfeeding."

Depending on the type of infection, breastfeeding can continue with consideration for health and hygiene.

For example, the CDC explains that regarding COVID-19, current knowledge suggests that breast milk is not considered a transmission route, and breastfeeding can continue with measures like handwashing. If the mother is too unwell to breastfeed directly, expressed milk can be given by another caregiver.

However, it is incorrect to extend the explanation in the original article that "viruses are not transmitted through breast milk" to all infections. There are viruses, such as HTLV-1, where transmission through breast milk is a concern. Breastfeeding methods need to be considered individually based on the illness and treatment.

The starting point should not be "stop breastfeeding immediately because of a fever" or "any infection is okay," but rather confirming the illness and treatment details.

⑦ "If you've had breast surgery or implants, you can't breastfeed."

Even with a history of breast surgery, it may still be possible to produce breast milk. However, the amount that can be produced may vary.

According to the CDC, the impact depends on the condition of the milk ducts and nerves, as well as the surgical method. The position of implants and the incision site also matter, and not everyone can produce the necessary amount sufficiently.

Rather than judging the ability to breastfeed based solely on appearance, it's important to share the surgical history with healthcare providers and monitor the baby's weight gain. If necessary, supplement with formula or other options. Such a concrete plan can lead to reassurance.

⑧ "If breastfeeding myths are wrong, then alcohol and tobacco don't matter either."

Reducing unnecessary dietary restrictions is a separate issue from neglecting attention to harmful substances.

The CDC states that "not drinking is the safest option" regarding alcohol consumption while breastfeeding. It's also important to avoid tobacco and electronic cigarettes to protect the baby from secondhand smoke.

However, having smoked should not lead to the simple conclusion of stopping breastfeeding entirely based on self-judgment. The CDC provides support that considers the benefits of breastfeeding even if quitting smoking is not possible. The focus should be on consultation that leads to quitting or reducing exposure, not blame.

Regarding medication, not everything is prohibited. It's important to inform doctors and pharmacists that you are breastfeeding and confirm how to balance necessary treatment with breastfeeding.

⑨ "Using formula is a failure of breastfeeding."

Breast milk has health benefits, and it's important for those who wish to breastfeed to receive appropriate support. However, these benefits should not be used as a measure of a parent's effort or affection.

UNICEF explains the option of using infant formula as needed while continuing to breastfeed. When choosing mixed feeding, it's possible to consider methods that balance maintaining breast milk secretion with the baby's needs through consultation.

The original article introduces "Premilch," a category of infant formula used in Germany and other countries. When selecting products in Japan, it's not necessary to apply that name directly.

Rather than evaluating families based on the choice between breast milk or formula, it's important to see whether the baby is receiving the necessary nutrition and whether the parent can continue caregiving without undue stress.

⑩ "Breastfeeding should stop after the baby turns one year old."

The WHO recommends continuing breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complementary foods around 6 months of age, up to 2 years or beyond. It is not the case that breastfeeding becomes unnecessary or inappropriate after the baby's first birthday.

At the same time, this recommendation does not mandate the same duration for all families. Work, health, childcare environment, and personal preferences vary.

In situations where those who want to continue are asked "Still?" and those who want to stop are asked "Already?", parents may be criticized no matter what they choose. The goal is to support choices that fit the parent-child situation, not for outsiders to set deadlines.

Voices of Parents Tired of Searching for the Right Answer on Social Media

The social media posts confirmed this time are not direct reactions to the original article. They are existing posts on the overseas forum Reddit about breastfeeding myths and advice from others. Summarizing the range of content visible in search results, the following voices can be seen:

In the thread "Breastfeeding Myths," there is a post reflecting on the choice to supplement with formula while continuing to breastfeed immediately after childbirth, and feeling that it was the right decision. The poster also mentioned individual conditions such as weight gain, the timing of increased breast milk secretion, and bilirubin levels related to jaundice.

In another thread, "We can support breastfeeding mothers without a side of misinformation," there is dissatisfaction expressed about wanting support for breastfeeding without exaggerated or unfounded explanations.

Meanwhile, in "Pressure to supplement with formula," a parent enjoying breastfeeding and feeling that they are producing enough milk is being encouraged by their mother-in-law to add formula for the baby's sleep.

These are individual experiences and do not represent a survey of trends across all social media. However, they do suggest that pressure can arise from others, whether in the direction of continuing breastfeeding or using formula.

What is needed may not be loud voices guiding towards one choice or the other, but dialogue that confirms the individual's wishes and the baby's condition.

Knowledge Should Not Be Used to Corner Parents

There is value in dispelling misconceptions about breastfeeding. Reducing unnecessary restrictions can make meals and life a bit easier. Knowing it's okay to consult about pain can make it easier to seek help.

However, if the knowledge that "frequent nursing promotes secretion" turns into "the lack is due to poor nursing technique," it creates a new burden.

Family support can extend beyond evaluating breastfeeding methods. Preparing meals, taking on household chores, creating time to rest, and connecting to consultation resources—all these actions support parental choices.

Breastfeeding knowledge should be used to value both the baby's development and the caregiver's physical and mental health.

※This article is a general compilation of information. For individual concerns about infant feeding, growth, breastfeeding pain, chronic illnesses, infections, or medication, please consult a doctor or midwife.

Sources and References

1. AD HOC NEWS (September 24, 2026): Compilation of breastfeeding myths by German experts.
   https://www.ad-hoc-news.de/wissenschaft/still-mythen-zehn-verbreitete-ratschlaege-halten-der-wissenschaft-nicht/70173907

2. CDC "Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding": Information on diet during breastfeeding and the usual lack of need to uniformly avoid specific foods.
   https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/diet-micronutrients/maternal-diet.html

3. kindergesundheit-info.de "Ernährung in der Stillzeit": Explanation about nutrition during breastfeeding and the myth regarding citrus fruits and diaper rash.
   https://www.kindergesundheit-info.de/themen/ernaehrung/stillen/ernaehrung-der-mutter/

4. UNICEF "Busted: 14 myths about breastfeeding": Explanation on breastfeeding pain, mixed feeding, and support for parents.
   https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/14-myths-about-breastfeeding

5. CDC "How Much and How Often to Breastfeed": Information on breastfeeding intervals and frequent feeding.
   https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/how-much-and-how-often.html

6. CDC "Newborn Breastfeeding Basics": Clues for confirming if the baby is drinking enough.
   https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/newborn-basics.html

7. WHO "Breastfeeding": Recommendations on exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods.
   https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding

8. CDC "Travel Recommendations for Nursing Mothers": Explanation that water is usually unnecessary for exclusively breastfed infants under 6 months, even in hot climates.
   https://cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html

9. CDC "COVID-19 and Breastfeeding": Guidelines on breastfeeding and hygiene measures during COVID-19 infection.
   https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/illnesses-conditions/covid-19.html

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