Breastfeeding has been the main way of keeping the human population alive for thousands of years. You would think by now we’d have it all figured out! Unfortunately, though, that means there has been plenty of time for rumors and myths about breastfeeding to develop. As we learn more about our bodies and our babies, we can put some of those myths to rest. Get comfy, because we’re here to give you six myths about breastfeeding as well as the truth behind them!

Myth: You Can’t Eat Spicy Foods While Nursing

It is likely that when you were pregnant, you gave up alcohol, sushi, and a host of other foods for your baby. Now you have to continue to refrain from the foods you love while nursing? Thankfully, that’s not true! Women all over the world with all kinds of different diets successfully breastfeed their hungry babies, even if they ate some spicy curry or hot wings recently. It is possible that these flavors can be incorporated into your breastmilk, but most little ones don’t seem to mind. If they do fuss about nursing after you ate something spicy, consider cutting back or timing your spicy indulgences for after you nurse.

The exception to this is if your baby has a food allergy or sensitivity. Some infants experience upset tummies if their mothers consume dairy, nuts, gluten, eggs, soy, or shellfish, for example. The molecules from these foods pass through your breastmilk to your baby, so if they have a food allergy, it may cause gassiness and an upset tummy. If this is the case, your doctor can help decide what foods you may need to cut back on.

Myth: You Can’t Have Alcohol While Breastfeeding

Like all good myths, there is a small amount of truth in this. We’ll start by saying this: for most healthy moms and babies, alcohol is not off-limits while breastfeeding. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Just like your blood alcohol content goes up after drinking, so does your milk alcohol content. Essentially, if you feel drunk or tipsy, then there is a higher alcohol content in your breastmilk. Once the alcohol has left your bloodstream, it is also gone from your milk. This alcohol can be passed to your baby, whose liver cannot process alcohol as well as an adult liver.

So, if you want to enjoy a drink or two, here are some ways to do it without affecting your baby:

• Time your alcohol consumption. Have a glass of wine or a beer after nursing when you know your little one won’t eat for a few hours.

• Once you feel completely sober (and we mean completely), it is safe to feed your baby

• You can always use an electric breast pump to keep a supply of milk in the fridge, which you can feed your baby if you have alcohol in your system.

• Know how long it takes for alcohol to pass through your system. For example, a 150-pound woman who has one drink will need about 2 hours to pass the alcohol through her system. If she has four drinks, it will be more like 8 or 9 hours, so plan accordingly.

• Consuming high quantities of alcohol can decrease milk production, so be aware of that.

Myth: If Your Baby Is Always Hungry, Then You Are Not Producing Enough Milk

Breast milk is so easily digested by babies, that they are frequently hungry, and this is normal. For the first few weeks, you can expect your little one to nurse every 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that babies will not digest formula as quickly, and therefore may take longer between feedings or even sleep for longer periods of time. However, both formula and breastmilk are acceptable foods for your baby. Your baby’s doctor will make sure they are gaining weight at their follow up appointments, and if they are, then your baby is likely getting plenty of food.

Myth: You Need To Disinfect Your Nipples Before Nursing

You always hear about how baby bottles need to be disinfected and sanitized, so what about nipples? They hang out in a moist bra all day, after all. Surely they could use a quick wipedown before nursing, right? Thankfully, your body takes care of that for you. Around your nipples, on your areola, you have Montgomery glands, little bumps that may or may not have been there before pregnancy. These glands not only secrete oil to help keep your nipples lubricated and free from cracks, but they also secrete antimicrobial elements that help prevent bacterial growth near the nipple, even if you’ve gone a little too long without changing your nursing pads. Just rinse your breasts with warm water in the shower and you’ll be good to go!

Fun fact: The oil that your Montgomery glands secrete smells like amniotic fluid, which helps your baby find your nipple!

Myth: You Have To Wait Two Hours To Nurse After You Pump

Since most new moms are eligible for free breast pumps and nursing supplies through insurance, there’s no reason to not pump and store your milk. Milk production is a supply-and-demand type of system. The more you pump and nurse, the more milk your baby will produce. Milk is constantly being produced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means you don’t need to wait for the tank to be full, so to speak, before nursing your baby. If you are planning to return to work, pumping and freezing your breast milk before, after, or between feedings is a great way to create a nice supply of breast milk while still nursing your little one. Your milk will stay fresh for up to five months in the freezer, so you can really stock up a lot just by pumping a couple times a day, even if you aren’t planning on using it soon.

Myth: Insurance Doesn’t Cover Breastfeeding Supplies, So It Will Be Cheaper To Use Formula

Wrong! Here at A Medical Supply, we are committed to educating new moms about their insurance coverage or breast pumps and nursing supplies. Because breast milk has been proven to be so beneficial for infants, most insurances cover high-quality electric breast pumps under preventative care. That means free breast pumps! It is estimated that parents spend over $1200 on formula alone for the first year, and that number goes up if you are buying the more expensive brands — and doesn’t include the cost of bottles or sanitizing equipment. Breast milk is free, and your insurance will typically cover the pump, some supplies, and consultations with a lactation expert if you are having trouble.

Let’s put these myths to rest! Get started today with a free breast pump through insurance from amedsupplies.com! You can pick your favorite brand and supplies, and we’ll handle the insurance side of things for you, making it easier than ever to have a free breast pump delivered right to your door.