According to Dr. Katrina B. Mitchell, a breast surgeon and international board-certified lactation consultant, many common breastfeeding practices are not supported by current knowledge of breast anatomy and physiology. Dr. Mitchell, who is also the founder of Physician Guide to Breastfeeding, aims to dispel persistent misinformation surrounding breastfeeding in her new book, Go With the Flow.
Dr. Mitchell identifies several myths that new moms can stop believing, starting with the idea that they cannot drink alcohol while breastfeeding. New research shows that even binge drinking is unlikely to result in significant blood levels of alcohol in an infant, as the baby consumes only a fraction of the volume of alcohol that the mom does.
Another myth is that new moms cannot drink caffeine while breastfeeding. Unless they are consuming extremely high amounts of caffeine, it is safe to do so, as the amount that transfers into breastmilk is not clinically significant.
The use of all-purpose nipple ointment is another myth that Dr. Mitchell addresses. She notes that the nipple is not a common site for fungal or bacterial infections and that steroids can be dangerous if used for long periods. Additionally, Dr. Mitchell dispels the idea that bras can cause mastitis, comparing it to saying that a tight belt can cause an intestinal obstruction.
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Dr. Mitchell also discusses the myth that massage can help “unclog” a “plug” of breastmilk. She warns that massage can lead to serious breastfeeding complications, such as mastitis and abscesses, and instead recommends treating the breasts gently with ice.
The idea that breastmilk forms a cesspool of infection if the breasts are not regularly “emptied” is another myth that Dr. Mitchell debunks. She notes that the body is designed to accommodate variability in feeding patterns and that women do not need to follow a strict schedule to prevent infection.
Finally, Dr. Mitchell addresses the myth that a “yeast infection” is the cause of nipple pain, itching, redness, or rash. She explains that yeast grows problematically in specific parts of the body, such as the vagina and esophagus, and that nipple pain is more likely caused by nerve pain or dermatitis.