Breastfeeding is often described as a natural and beautiful experience—but for many new parents, it can also feel overwhelming and confusing. Unfortunately, a lot of myths surround nursing, and these misconceptions can make parents doubt themselves or ignore real issues. One of the most common—and most harmful—myths is that breastfeeding is supposed to be painful. In reality, persistent pain is a sign that something isn’t right and deserves attention.
Let’s take a closer look at this and other myths that can get in the way of a healthy, positive nursing experience.
Myth 1: Breastfeeding Is Supposed to Hurt
While some tenderness in the first few days of breastfeeding is common, ongoing pain, cracked or bleeding nipples, or a baby who struggles to latch are not normal. These symptoms often point to underlying issues, such as lip or tongue-ties, that make it difficult for the baby to feed properly. With the right support and treatment, breastfeeding should feel comfortable and sustainable—not painful.
Myth 2: A Good Latch Means Everything Is Fine
Many parents hear that as long as the baby is latched, things are going well. But latching alone doesn’t guarantee effective feeding. Babies with tongue-ties, for example, may latch but still struggle to transfer milk efficiently, leading to frustration, slow weight gain, or long feeding sessions. If you suspect something is wrong, it’s important to seek help from a professional who can evaluate both the latch and oral anatomy.
Myth 3: Pain Means You’re Not Doing It Right
Parents are often made to feel guilty when breastfeeding doesn’t go smoothly, as if they simply need to “try harder” or “tough it out.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Pain and difficulty are not signs of failure—they’re signs that you and your baby need support. From working with a lactation consultant to seeking evaluation for ties, there are resources and treatments that can make breastfeeding more successful.
Myth 4: If Breastfeeding Doesn’t Work, Formula Is Your Only Option
While formula feeding is a safe and healthy alternative, it’s not the only solution when breastfeeding challenges arise. Many babies with lip or tongue-ties experience significant improvement after treatment, allowing for more comfortable and effective nursing. Support from healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and pediatric dentists can make a big difference in helping parents continue their breastfeeding journey if they choose.
Supporting Parents with Facts, Not Myths
Breastfeeding can be challenging, but myths that dismiss pain or blame parents only make the process harder. Every baby and parent deserves compassionate support and accurate information. If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort, remember that help is available and that solutions may be simpler than you think.
About the Practice
At Newpark Pediatrics & Orthodontics, families can expect compassionate, evidence-based care for children and parents alike. Dr. Quach and Dr. Rosato specialize in identifying and treating lip and tongue-ties that can interfere with breastfeeding, offering safe and effective solutions to improve comfort and feeding success. Our goal is to support both parents and children in building healthy, confident starts.
Call us at (510) 796-8888 or request an appointment online.