IT'S WELL KNOWN THAT BREASTFEEDING DAMAGES THE BREASTS

- FALSE. If your breastfeeding is well managed, you avoid engorgement, and wean gradually, your breasts will be much less stressed by breastfeeding than by abruptly stopping lactation at birth! To maintain the beauty of your breasts, it's essential to avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy and to pamper your breasts daily with a suitable product to stimulate the supporting tissues and thus prevent the risk of sagging skin due to sudden changes in volume. During the breastfeeding period, you should continue to care for your breasts daily and choose a good nursing bra that provides support without compression.

If you have small breasts, you produce too little milk.

- FALSE. Even though wet nurses, to whom gentlewomen once entrusted the care of breastfeeding their babies, were distinguished by very generous breasts... you should know that the mammary gland has roughly the same volume in all women. Therefore, breast size has no relation to the amount of milk produced. And lactation depends primarily on your baby's appetite: the more they nurse, the more milk you will produce... even if you have a small 34B bra size!

It often happens that breast milk is not nourishing enough.

- FALSE. Breast milk is never bad, too thin, or not nutritious enough. If your baby isn't gaining enough weight, the explanation is more likely related to a poor latch. Like all new mothers, you may also experience temporary drops in your milk production due to fatigue or strong emotions. Don't panic: simply breastfeed your baby as often and for as long as possible. And get plenty of rest. Your milk supply will quickly return to normal.

Breastfeeding prevents you from losing the weight gained during pregnancy.

- FALSE On the contrary, milk production consumes a significant portion of your daily calorie intake. If you maintain a balanced diet and eat reasonable portions, breastfeeding can only help you lose the pregnancy weight more quickly.

Breastfeeding is bound to be exhausting for the mother.

- FALSE. Breastfeeding isn't inherently tiring. As long as you and your baby are comfortable, feedings don't require any particular level of physical fitness. If you feel tired, this is primarily due to the physiological changes and emotions surrounding the birth of your baby. Perhaps you're also overdoing it? Don't try to be a superwoman during this time! At home, ask for help from your partner, family, and friends. And calmly enjoy the soothing hormonal release that breastfeeding triggers!

YOU CAN SLEEP WITH YOUR BABY TO MAKE BREASTFEEDING EASIER

- TRUE. Close proximity between mother and baby promotes breastfeeding, and having your baby by your side can greatly facilitate nighttime feedings. However, it is important to strictly adhere to safety guidelines when having your child sleep in your bed: no duvet on top of them, no pillow under their head, choose a firm mattress, anticipate any risk of falls, etc. Other possible options: place your baby's crib next to yours, or use a special co-sleeping crib that attaches to the parents' bed.

Nighttime feedings generally make breastfeeding easier.

- TRUE Even though many mothers have suggested you try to "get your baby to sleep through the night" as soon as possible, try to resist this pressure! In fact, most infants need to nurse at night during their first few months. Furthermore, nighttime feedings promote a good start and maintenance of lactation by avoiding too long an interval between feedings.

Flat or misshapen nipples prevent breastfeeding.

- FALSE. Babies always manage to breastfeed, regardless of breast shape. Simply ensure your child is positioned correctly, facing your breast. If they are having real difficulty latching on, for example, because your breast is too engorged with milk, gently pull on the nipple to soften it and express a little milk before offering it to your child.

Breastfeeding for less than 6 months is pointless.

- FALSE. Even though health authorities and many pediatricians recommend breastfeeding until the child is 6 months old, it all depends on your desire and availability. Breastfeeding, even for a short period, will be beneficial to your health and that of your baby. When you return to work, you can continue breastfeeding in the mornings, evenings, and on weekends. But it will also depend on your baby! Some babies may quickly show their desire for independence…while others will demand their mother's breast much later. The father's role should also be considered, because the longer breastfeeding lasts, the more he may feel excluded.

Breastfeeding can also hurt

- TRUE. But it's primarily poor positioning of your baby during breastfeeding that can cause pain, especially during the first week when nipples can be sensitive. This is a normal and temporary phenomenon. However, if it persists, don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician or midwife for advice.

Breastfeeding does not exempt you from using contraception.

- TRUE. From the moment you exclusively breastfeed, the dreaded "return of menstruation" is blocked, and you can rest easy. In theory... It can indeed happen that menstruation returns while you are breastfeeding, and ovulation can occur even before your period returns. Unless you wish to experience another pregnancy immediately, contraception is therefore advisable. Talk to your doctor or midwife about it.

It's impossible to breastfeed while taking medication.

- FALSE. Many medications are compatible with breastfeeding. Your doctor is there to ensure you receive appropriate prescriptions. However, do not self-medicate! Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist before taking any medication that may or may not be suitable for your baby's age.