There is still considerable debate as to when breastfeeding should be stopped. While breast is best, especially in the first year of baby’s life, at some point your baby or toddler has to give up breast milk. It is usually accepted that stopping breastfeeding altogether by the age of 2 years will be suitable as it will not deprive your baby of any essential nutrition. However some mothers choose to breastfeed till the age of 3 years and this is not necessarily a negative undertaking. Persisting beyond this point could be considered harmful to your young child’s social and emotional development, although the odd suckling, even if you are not producing any milk should not be reprimanded.

There are just some weird notions bandied about and handed down from generation to generation. Unfortunately, these myths are believed to be true in many instances. Well, it is time to bust some breast feeding myths! Read on:

Myth #1 – A lot of women cannot produce enough milk for her baby.

False! Most women do have enough of a milk supply. If the baby is not gaining weight adequately or is actually losing weight, it is usually because they are not latching onto the breast properly. While the mother is still in the hospital after the birth, it is important that she take advantage of the services of a lactation consultant to ensure that the baby can and will be able to feed properly.

Myth #1 – Breast cancer doesn’t run in my family so I’m not at risk!

False! A history of breast cancer in the family may put you at a higher risk of getting breast cancer but this disease isn’t selective and can effect any women, healthy or unhealthy. 80% of women with breast cancer had no initial identifiable risk factors.

Myth #2 – Younger women are more likely to get breast cancer than older women

False! In fact, as women get older, the chances of getting breast cancer increases. Age is one of the biggest risk factors in breast cancer.

Myth #3 – Stress can cause breast cancer

False! No study or research has shown that stress, anxiety or depression leads to or causes breast cancer.