Misinformation has always been a big problem in Black communities. The US Office on Women’s Health said myths about breastfeeding are common among Black women. It’s well known that during slavery, Black women were forced to breastfeed the children of their enslavers. At the time, white society rejected all things Black, one thing they didn’t reject was Black women’s breast milk. Have you ever wondered why?
Even after slavery ended, many Black women continued working as wet nurses. White families understood the value of breast milk—rich in nutrients and antibodies essential for a baby’s development and overall health. Do you know that only about 75% of Black infants are breastfed as against 84% of white infants, according to CDC? While many Black moms jump to formula, most white moms still give their children breast milk.
10 Myths about Breastfeeding
Along with the traumatic history of forced wet nursing, the myths surrounding breastfeeding in our community play a major role in the problem.
Myths surrounding breastfeeding have negatively impacted Black mothers’ decisions and experience, which in many cases have led to premature cessation or not trying breastfeeding at all. Date Line Health Africa stated that many myths are rooted in traditional beliefs.
Now is the time to set the record straight. Here are 10 common myths about breastfeeding:
- “Formula is just as good.”
While baby formula is safe and an alternative when certain conditions make it impossible for a mother to breastfeed, it does not offer the benefits of breastmilk.
Truth: Breast milk provides antibodies that help build the immune system, which is especially vital for families with a history of asthma, diabetes, and childhood obesity. Formula cannot replicate this wonder.
- “If you don’t have big breasts, you won’t have enough milk.”
You should have heard my heartbeat when an elderly woman told me this. An online resource helped me understand that milk production is not about size, but rather about stimulation. I also had friends who were far bigger than I who complained about their breasts not producing enough milk.
Truth: Breast size is determined by fatty tissue, not milk-producing glands. The more you pump or nurse, the more milk your body produces.
- “Breastfeeding will make your breasts sag.”
I believed this for the longest time. Many mothers I know have had sagging breasts, but nursing has no direct link with breast sagging.
Truth: Breast sagging is mostly influenced by gravity, pregnancy, genetics, and age. It is a normal and natural change in the body.
- “Breastfeeding in public is inappropriate.”
Cultural shame around breastfeeding in public has made many mums not breastfeed their babies when in public spaces, even though their babies need to eat every 2-3 hours.
Truth: Breastfeeding is normal, necessary, and protected by law. If someone feels uncomfortable, they should simply look away.
- “You have to stop breastfeeding when the baby starts teething.”
Moms who have been bitten by their babies when they start getting teeth see this as a sign to stop breastfeeding.
Truth: Teething doesn’t mean it’s time to stop breastfeeding. There are gentle ways to manage biting. Nursing beyond infancy is possible and healthy.
- “Colostrum is bad milk.”
Many believe the yellowish-thick milk after birth is old, dirty, and bad. They discard it, hoping the real milk will come shortly.
Truth: If you are talking about liquid gold, that’s the colostrum. It is the most nutritious milk that your baby can ever get. Give it to your baby with pride and love.
- “Your baby can’t be full unless they drink formula.”
Often, many Black moms get pressured by well-meaning family members to supplement with formula, based on the belief that the baby will never be truly full without formula.
Truth: The reason babies breastfeed often is not because the milk is not enough, but because breast milk digests faster, and that’s a good thing. Additionally, because they have small stomachs, it is quite normal for them to feed frequently.
- “You can’t breastfeed if you go back to work.”
This myth hurts me the most when I hear it, but unfortunately, it is quite common within our community.
Truth: While it may not be easy working and breastfeeding, with planning, support, and the use of the right tools, many moms like you have successfully breastfed their babies at work. With the US Labor Law protecting women’s right to pump at work, your baby can get all the nutrients they need from your breast milk.
- “Black women don’t breastfeed.”
Historical trauma from slavery and wet nursing led to the spread of this harmful myth within the Black community. This myth is not only false but very damaging to the health and confidence of Black mothers.
Truth: Today, many Black women have embraced breastfeeding. We need visible support, representation, and culturally relevant education.
- “Breastfeeding Prevents Pregnancy 100%”
Do not fall for this widespread belief! Many women see this as a guaranteed form of birth control until…boom!!! They are hit with the surprise of their life.
Truth: Breastfeeding may delay the period and fertility only if your baby is less than six months old, you are on exclusive breastfeeding, and not menstruating. Even then, it’s not a reliable form of birth control.
There’s a lot of misinformation about breastfeeding in our community, and we must keep debunking it with medical facts. At Elevate Black Health, we believe that by choosing to breastfeed your newborn, you are nutritionally setting them up for a great start. With the correct information at your fingertips, you won’t have to pass these fables to your children and grandchildren.
To learn more:
- Breastfeeding Myths in the African-American Community. https://womenshealth.gov/its-only-natural/addressing-breastfeeding-myths/breastfeeding-myths-african-american-community
- About Breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/about/index.html
- 10 Common Myths and Misinformation about Breastfeeding in Africa. https://www.datelinehealthafrica.org/10-common-myths-and-misinformation-about-breastfeeding-in-africa
- The Role of Breastfeeding as a Protective Factor against the Development of Immune-Mediated Diseases: A Systematic Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9981158/
- Empowering Black Mothers to Overcome Breastfeeding Stigma. https://www.elevateblackhealth.com/empowering-black-mothers-to-overcome-breastfeeding-stigma/
- Breastfeeding State Laws. https://www.ncsl.org/health/breastfeeding-state-laws
- Can Breastfeeding Really Prevent Pregnancy? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-breastfeeding-really-prevent-pregnancy-202203022697
- Elevate Black Health. Public Health After Wet Nursing Trauma. https://www.elevateblackhealth.com/public-health-after-wet-nursing-trauma/
