6 Breastfeeding Myths Malaysian Mums Hear All the Time, Debunked by a Doctor

When it comes to breastfeeding, advice can come from almost everywhere.

It may come from family members, friends, online forums, neighbours, or even people who may not know you very well. Some of it may come from a place of concern, but for a new mum who is already trying to understand her baby’s feeding needs, it can also cause doubt, guilt and unnecessary stress.

In this AskMeDoctor! episode, we sat down with Associate Professor Dr Ixora from UKM Specialist Centre about common breastfeeding myths that many Malaysian mums may have heard before.

Myth #1: Bigger Breasts Mean More Milk

One of the most common myths is that a mother with bigger breasts will naturally produce more milk, while mothers with smaller breasts may struggle to breastfeed successfully.

Dr Ixora says this is simply not true.

“Whether you’re successful at breastfeeding and how much is being produced by the breast is not determined by the size of the breast, because part of the composition that affects the size of the breast is the amount of fat tissue in the breast, and fat tissue doesn’t produce milk. What produces milk is the milk glands and all those.”

This is a myth that can be especially harmful when it comes from the people closest to a new mum. Comments about breast size can make mothers feel less confident about feeding their baby.

“Sometimes even family members would give such comments to a new mum: ‘You’re not feeding your baby enough because your breasts are too small.’ Then that would make the mum less confident, sad, depressed, that actually can result in a lack of milk production and, of course, let-down reflex.”

As Dr Ixora explains, stress can affect the mother too. Breastfeeding support should help mums feel reassured, not questioned.

Myth #2: Breast Milk Can Be Too Watery or Not Creamy Enough

Another thing mothers may hear is that their breast milk is too watery or that creamier milk is somehow better for the baby.

However, breast milk naturally changes during a feed.

“With breast milk, the early part of the milk which is being produced consists of about 80% water. And the later part is the creamy part.

So, as long as you feed the baby until the baby is satisfied, then the baby should get the quality of milk, the amount of fat, the amount of protein and water that the baby needs.”

The important thing is not how the milk looks, but whether the baby is feeding until satisfied.

“The fact that people are saying the creamier the better is not true, because the composition of milk is already balanced.”

Myth #3: Babies Need Extra Water in Malaysia’s Hot Weather

With Malaysia’s warm weather, it is understandable that some family members may worry that a baby is thirsty or dehydrated. This is why some mothers are told to give plain water on top of breast milk.

Dr Ixora advises otherwise for babies who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months.

“Exclusive breastfeeding until the baby is six months old, when they are weaning, means that within that first six months, breastfeeding is sufficient and should not be topped up with other things, especially not plain water.”

If a baby wants to feed more often in hot weather, that does not automatically mean breast milk is not enough.

“Babies are just like us adults. When we are in such hot weather, we drink more. So the baby should be fed more. The baby would want to feed more. So we should be feeding the baby on demand.”

Breast milk already provides more than just water.

“Breast milk comes with protein, with fat, with minerals and vitamins on top of water. And of course, water is just water.”

Myth #4: Frequent Latching Means Your Baby Is Not Getting Enough Milk

Some babies seem to want to latch on often. For many mums, this can lead to comments that the baby must still be hungry or that milk supply is low.

But Dr Ixora says feeding frequency alone does not tell the whole story.

“Whether it’s enough or not, it should not be gauged just based on the frequency of the feeding. We have to look at the bigger picture: whether the baby is satisfied at the end of feeding, whether or not the baby is gaining weight and whether the baby is wetting enough—six to eight nappies over 24 hours.”

There can also be other reasons a baby wants to latch.

“Some babies would like bonding with the mum. I think it’s alright. If you can, why not?”

Every baby may also feed differently. Some may feed quickly, while others may take their time.

“Some babies, they like to take their own sweet time to feed, play around, get distracted and things like that. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.

It’s just like adults. Sometimes we quickly eat, and sometimes we like to laze around, talk while we have coffee and things like that.”

For mothers who are able to do so, Dr Ixora’s message is simple:

“Let your baby latch on if you can. It’s okay. They will grow out of it at their own pace.”

Myth #5: Formula Should Be Given “Just in Case”

Many mothers are advised to top up with formula “just in case”, especially when relatives worry that a baby may not be getting enough.

Dr Ixora acknowledges that this can be a difficult conversation, particularly when the advice comes from someone close to the family.

“We can always subtly and politely answer that, like, ‘Yes, thank you. I understand your concern. But so far it seems like the baby is satisfied after feeding, is feeding well, and I’ve seen that my baby is gaining weight sufficiently and is wetting the nappy sufficiently. I think my baby is getting enough.’”

She also explains why a “just in case” top-up can sometimes become a cycle.

“The baby may get full or satisfied with formula feeding, then the baby may not want to breastfeed. That’s the danger. So baby may not want to breastfeed. When the baby doesn’t breastfeed, then there will be a lack of production. Another problem—it’s a cycle.”

That is why support from people around the mother matters so much.

“With breastfeeding, it’s not the motivation on the mum’s part alone. She needs support from those people around her. Because there are some mothers who stop breastfeeding just because of all this negative influence, pressure from people around her.”

Dr Ixora also encourages fathers to be involved.

“I would also like to advise or invite all the fathers out there to join whenever we have a talk on breastfeeding or the antenatal classes where we talk about breastfeeding. Fathers should be there as well.”

Myth #6: A Child Can Be Too Old to Breastfeed

Extended breastfeeding can sometimes attract comments from others. A mother may wonder whether there is an age when her child is considered too old to breastfeed.

Dr Ixora says there is no fixed answer for every family.

“I don’t think there is a cut-off point. I think the mum herself would know when to stop breastfeeding.

I have heard some babies—or by then, a child already—at the age of six, even sometimes breastfeeding every now and then. I don’t think there is an actual cut-off. It depends on the mum, what you want out of it, and what the baby wants—what the child wants.”

Breastfeeding Can Be an Enjoyable Journey

There will always be opinions, advice and comments from people around us. But for mothers who are breastfeeding, the journey can also be a meaningful and personal one.

“To me, breast milk is the gift of life, and breastfeeding is one of the best gifts for mothers. We all know some mothers may not be able to breastfeed for medical reasons and things like that. But for those who can breastfeed, we should enjoy breastfeeding to the fullest.”

One step at a time, one day at a time.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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