You can't eat spicy food
Everyone needs a balanced diet but that’s even more important when you’re breastfeeding. Some of the flavours of food you eat when you’re pregnant will make it to your baby in the womb, so they’ll already be used to the sort of food you like.
If you think something you're eating is affecting your baby through your breastmilk, talk to your GP or health visitor, or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.
NHS.uk has more information on diet and breastfeeding.
You need to eat lots of dairy (cheese, milk and yoghurt) to make milk
You don’t need to eat diary food to make your own milk. Cows make gallons of the stuff and never drink another animal’s milk.
You shouldn't breastfeed if you’re sick
It’s important you get the right treatment and that you rest, eat and drink well. The antibodies your body makes to fight the illness will usually pass on to your baby, building your baby’s own defences.
You can’t take any medication when you’re breastfeeding
It’s important to let your doctor know that you’re breastfeeding and to read the instructions that come with any medications you buy over the counter. There will usually be suitable medications that you can take safely while breastfeeding. However, it might be necessary for you to take a different medication, adjust the dosage or take medications at a specific time. Visit the Breastfeeding Network Drugs in Breastmilk Service for more information.
Babies who have been breastfed are clingy
All babies are different. Some are clingy and some aren’t, no matter how they are fed. Breastfeeding provides not only the best nutrition for infants, but there’s evidence that it supports their brain development. Breastfed babies are held a lot and because of this, breastfeeding has been shown to enhance bonding, which might help your child grow up to be more confident and secure.
You need large breasts
Women with smaller breasts will still make enough milk for their baby, you just might need to feed more often than someone with larger breasts.
Breastfeeding makes your breasts sag
Being pregnant can cause changes in the size and structure of your breasts. Your breasts undergo these changes whether you breastfeed your baby or not.