Interview with Léa
Breastfeeding: Fact or Fiction 

Breastfeeding is a topic filled with important information but also a lot of myths. To clear up the confusion, we spoke with Léa, a lactation consultant and expert ready to answer questions with compassion and understanding. Get ready to debunk breastfeeding myths with us.   
 

Myth: Breastfeeding hurts.   

“No. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. It should remain pain-free, intuitive and a source of enjoyment. Babies instinctively know how to move to the breast and latch. If you experience pain which persists for more than the first 10 days, consult a breastfeeding specialist. This may be due to poor positioning of the baby around the nipple, trauma from birth or the baby having trouble with latching or sucking. “ 

  

Myth: Breastfeeding is always easy.   

“No. BUT breastfeeding is becoming easier because there are new and different ways to feed babies. If you want to breastfeed, the key is the guidance and support of a professional who can help from the beginning of your journey. The fewer disruptive elements at the start of breastfeeding (bottle feeding in the first few days, jaundice, slow weight gain, cesarean section, medical instruments used during birth), the better babies will adapt to breastfeeding, without pain to the parent. “ 

 

Myth: You don't produce enough milk to feed their babies.     

“Sometimes. This can happen if there is decreased flow! Why? Because of the supply and demand process during lactation. 

If the baby stimulates the breast properly from the start and isn’t supplemented with bottle-feeding or other types of feeding, there will be no problems producing breastmilk. However, if the baby is given milk formula, they will stimulate the breast less and can create vicious circles. If the bottle is easier for the baby, parents will think that they don’t have enough milk, so when their baby is hungry, they will give the baby more formula..." 

 

Myth: Breastfeeding makes you gain weight.   

“No. In fact, breastfeeding can cause weight loss after childbirth because it burns calories. Breastfeeding burns energy; It takes approximately 595kcal to 670kcal/day to produce all the milk necessary for a baby. 

  

Myth: Breastfeeding damages your breasts.       

“No - IF you take good care of your chest such as through moisturizing your breasts after feeding, wearing bras which are a suitable size and made from a natural material (cotton/bamboo) etc. Some exercises can also strengthen the pectoral muscles (such as push-ups, for example) which helps fight against breast ptosis. 

Variations in breast size during pregnancy, breastfeeding and after weaning are natural, breast weight varies at each stage so don't worry.    

Breastfeeding may also decrease some health risks in some instances. 

  

Myth: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.   

“No. BUT during the baby's first 6 months, if the parent is exclusively breastfeeding at the optimal intervals (4 hours during the day and a maximum of 6 hours at night) it can in fact allow you to have time between birth and conceiving (MAMA method has a 98% success rate). You must also not have restarted your periods. 

But after the baby is 6 months old, the body can once again start to conceive and get pregnant. If your period hasn’t returned and are still fully or partially breastfeeding after the first six months, you may still be in a state of low fertility - Especially if you’re following the optimal recommended breastfeeding behaviors. Only 4 -8% of pregnancies happen within the first year after giving birth. 

If you have any questions concerning conceiving or contraception after giving birth, you should always consult a health professional. 

  

Myth: Breastfeeding is better than bottle feeding. 

“Yes. Nutritionally speaking, it protects against many childhood diseases. But it is ultimately up to you. If you breastfeed because you want to and not out of obligation, there are many benefits. However, industrial milk and milk formula produce milk as close as possible to breastmilk to help babies grow well.  

Sometimes some mothers do not want to breastfeed, and it is a personal choice; It is better to bottle-feed your baby than to force yourself to breastfeed them.  

Breastfeeding is almost never impossible. There are always solutions and support if you want to breastfeed. 

The main thing is to ENJOY the way you feed your baby and always follow your instincts; you have the best understanding of what’s best for your baby and what will suit you both.” 

 

Learn more about Léa:   

Léa, a state-certified childcare assistant since 2017, worked in a crèche and nursery for 2 years, then in the maternity ward and birthing room for 2 and a half years. It was quite natural that she wanted to offer quality perinatal and well-being support. She specializes in several fields; breastfeeding (with more than 200 hours of training), bottle- or breast-fed baby sucking disorders, physiological carrying, baby massage, baby's sleep & BLW Baby Led Weaning. For 2 years, she has had many roles as a human lactation consultant, supporting babies with sucking disorders who are not breastfed, and helping all families who choose to breastfeed. As a carrying instructor for 2 years, she helps families find the best means of carrying in accordance with ideal safety and physiology rules. Léa loves to support parents before the birth of their baby and/or postpartum with different aspects of parenthood. Léa is also very active on her Instagram and TikTok accounts where she shares her good tips, her advice, and much more. 

Interview with Léa
Breastfeeding: Fact or Fiction 

Breastfeeding is a topic filled with important information but also a lot of myths. To clear up the confusion, we spoke with Léa, a lactation consultant and expert ready to answer questions with compassion and understanding. Get ready to debunk breastfeeding myths with us.   
 

Myth: Breastfeeding hurts.   

“No. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. It should remain pain-free, intuitive and a source of enjoyment. Babies instinctively know how to move to the breast and latch. If you experience pain which persists for more than the first 10 days, consult a breastfeeding specialist. This may be due to poor positioning of the baby around the nipple, trauma from birth or the baby having trouble with latching or sucking. “ 

  

Myth: Breastfeeding is always easy.   

“No. BUT breastfeeding is becoming easier because there are new and different ways to feed babies. If you want to breastfeed, the key is the guidance and support of a professional who can help from the beginning of your journey. The fewer disruptive elements at the start of breastfeeding (bottle feeding in the first few days, jaundice, slow weight gain, cesarean section, medical instruments used during birth), the better babies will adapt to breastfeeding, without pain to the parent. “ 

 

Myth: You don't produce enough milk to feed their babies.     

“Sometimes. This can happen if there is decreased flow! Why? Because of the supply and demand process during lactation. 

If the baby stimulates the breast properly from the start and isn’t supplemented with bottle-feeding or other types of feeding, there will be no problems producing breastmilk. However, if the baby is given milk formula, they will stimulate the breast less and can create vicious circles. If the bottle is easier for the baby, parents will think that they don’t have enough milk, so when their baby is hungry, they will give the baby more formula..." 

 

Myth: Breastfeeding makes you gain weight.   

“No. In fact, breastfeeding can cause weight loss after childbirth because it burns calories. Breastfeeding burns energy; It takes approximately 595kcal to 670kcal/day to produce all the milk necessary for a baby. 

  

Myth: Breastfeeding damages your breasts.       

“No - IF you take good care of your chest such as through moisturizing your breasts after feeding, wearing bras which are a suitable size and made from a natural material (cotton/bamboo) etc. Some exercises can also strengthen the pectoral muscles (such as push-ups, for example) which helps fight against breast ptosis. 

Variations in breast size during pregnancy, breastfeeding and after weaning are natural, breast weight varies at each stage so don't worry.    

Breastfeeding may also decrease some health risks in some instances. 

  

Myth: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.   

“No. BUT during the baby's first 6 months, if the parent is exclusively breastfeeding at the optimal intervals (4 hours during the day and a maximum of 6 hours at night) it can in fact allow you to have time between birth and conceiving (MAMA method has a 98% success rate). You must also not have restarted your periods. 

But after the baby is 6 months old, the body can once again start to conceive and get pregnant. If your period hasn’t returned and are still fully or partially breastfeeding after the first six months, you may still be in a state of low fertility - Especially if you’re following the optimal recommended breastfeeding behaviors. Only 4 -8% of pregnancies happen within the first year after giving birth. 

If you have any questions concerning conceiving or contraception after giving birth, you should always consult a health professional. 

  

Myth: Breastfeeding is better than bottle feeding. 

“Yes. Nutritionally speaking, it protects against many childhood diseases. But it is ultimately up to you. If you breastfeed because you want to and not out of obligation, there are many benefits. However, industrial milk and milk formula produce milk as close as possible to breastmilk to help babies grow well.  

Sometimes some mothers do not want to breastfeed, and it is a personal choice; It is better to bottle-feed your baby than to force yourself to breastfeed them.  

Breastfeeding is almost never impossible. There are always solutions and support if you want to breastfeed. 

The main thing is to ENJOY the way you feed your baby and always follow your instincts; you have the best understanding of what’s best for your baby and what will suit you both.” 

 

Learn more about Léa:   

Léa, a state-certified childcare assistant since 2017, worked in a crèche and nursery for 2 years, then in the maternity ward and birthing room for 2 and a half years. It was quite natural that she wanted to offer quality perinatal and well-being support. She specializes in several fields; breastfeeding (with more than 200 hours of training), bottle- or breast-fed baby sucking disorders, physiological carrying, baby massage, baby's sleep & BLW Baby Led Weaning. For 2 years, she has had many roles as a human lactation consultant, supporting babies with sucking disorders who are not breastfed, and helping all families who choose to breastfeed. As a carrying instructor for 2 years, she helps families find the best means of carrying in accordance with ideal safety and physiology rules. Léa loves to support parents before the birth of their baby and/or postpartum with different aspects of parenthood. Léa is also very active on her Instagram and TikTok accounts where she shares her good tips, her advice, and much more.