Baby-Friendly e-Newsletter : Breastfeeding – We Care (Sep 2025)(AI-translated version)

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Date: 2025-09-08

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Healthcare Mothers Share Their Breastfeeding Journey:

From Myths to Confidence

Authors:

Dr. HY LEE: Associate Consultant, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital

Ms. SW LAM: Advanced Practice Nurse, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital (IBCLC, RM)

Over the past two decades, Hong Kong’s healthcare teams have made significant efforts to support breastfeeding. With growing public health awareness and ongoing promotion, breastfeeding is now widely recognized as the best nutritional choice for newborns, and has achieved encouraging results.

However, misconceptions and myths about breastfeeding still exist across society. These misunderstandings can undermine mothers’ confidence, hinder the development of a breastfeeding culture, and ultimately affect babies’ health and growth.

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged: some mothers choose not to breastfeed while in hospital. To understand why, healthcare professionals investigated further and found that in today’s information-rich world, mothers are exposed to a wide range of opinions—some of which are misleading. Common myths include:

“I’ll start breastfeeding after my milk comes in at home.”
“Formula milk is just as nutritious as breast milk.”

Due to confusing or incorrect information, many mothers miss the golden window for breastfeeding—or give up entirely. This deserves our attention.

As a paediatrician and mother of three, and a midwife and certified lactation consultant, we hope to clarify common myths and share our personal and clinical experiences. Our goal is to help mothers build confidence and start their breastfeeding journey early, enjoying a warm and meaningful bond with their babies.

A Doctor Mom’s Journey with Three Children: From Doubt to Determination

As a mother of three and a paediatrician in the NICU, I deeply understand the complexity and challenges of breastfeeding. It’s not like studying—it’s not something you can succeed at through effort alone. Factors like the baby’s feeding frequency and technique, the mother’s hydration, rest, stress levels, partner support, and work environment all affect milk supply.

My three experiences reflect how mindset and support impact breastfeeding success:

First child: I was anxious and unsure if I could produce milk. Stress, lack of rest, and physical discomfort led to low milk supply. I managed only three months of partial breastfeeding. After returning to work, I was so busy I barely had time to drink water—my milk dried up naturally.
Second child: With low confidence, I adopted a “let it be” attitude and arranged 24/7 postpartum support. Surprisingly, being relaxed and well-rested extended breastfeeding to five months. I could also care for my older child and continue breastfeeding for two months after returning to work. Though I envied moms who breastfed for a year, I learned to accept myself and laugh: “Maybe my breasts just aren’t built for direct feeding!” (laughs)
Third child: With years of medical knowledge and experience, I consulted a lactation expert before birth. I actively breastfed, took supplements, rested well, and had strong partner support. I finally achieved exclusive breastfeeding. Looking back, it was a journey of tears and triumph. Once I relaxed and had enough milk, even my back pain eased.

Let me share a memorable moment: when my third baby was one month old, I caught a fever from my eldest child. I was worried about infecting the baby, but I knew breast milk contains antibodies and offers natural protection. So I continued breastfeeding while wearing a mask, maintaining hygiene, and pumping milk for bottle feeding. My baby got through that tough week safely. That experience of fighting illness together as a family remains unforgettable.

A Midwife Mom’s Clinical Insights: Five Common Breastfeeding Myths

As a midwife and lactation consultant, I often meet new mothers facing challenges in early breastfeeding. These usually stem from misinformation or misconceptions. Here are five common myths I’ve observed:

Myth 1: Worried about jaundice or weight loss, so prefer formula milk

Many mothers worry that colostrum is too little and their baby will develop jaundice or lose weight. In fact, colostrum is rich in nutrients and helps eliminate bilirubin. Early sucking stimulates milk production and reduces jaundice risk. Premature formula use may reduce the baby’s desire to suck, affecting milk supply and missing out on natural antibodies. Healthcare staff will follow clinical guidelines and provide formula only when medically necessary.

Myth 2: Rest first in hospital, start breastfeeding at home

Some mothers believe they should rest in hospital and begin breastfeeding later at home or in a postpartum center. But the first few days after birth are crucial for establishing breastfeeding. Early skin-to-skin contact and feeding help stabilize milk supply and technique. Once home, stress and environmental changes make it harder to start. Using hospital support lays a strong foundation for success.

Myth 3: Wait until milk supply is sufficient before starting

Many mothers think they should wait until their breasts are full before feeding. This delays the process. Milk production increases with the baby’s sucking. Colostrum, though small in quantity, is highly nutritious. Early feeding promotes supply. Waiting until breasts are engorged can cause discomfort and hinder feeding. The earlier you start, the better your chances of success.

Myth 4: Formula milk is nutritionally similar to breast milk

Breast milk contains antibodies, enzymes, and live cells that adapt to the baby’s needs and support immunity and development. Formula milk, though improved, cannot replicate these active components. Breastfeeding also strengthens emotional bonds, helps babies regulate intake, and supports oral development—benefiting both health and connection.

Myth 5: Sick mothers should not breastfeed

Many mothers stop breastfeeding when ill, fearing they’ll infect their baby. But with proper hygiene and precautions, breastfeeding is safe. The antibodies produced during illness pass through breast milk and protect the baby. Unless the mother has a specific illness or is taking contraindicated medication, breastfeeding can usually continue. (See Dr. Lee’s experience above.)

Dr. Lee: Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Confidence

We’ve observed that Hong Kong parents are well-informed and often read medical literature. Yet myths persist. Even when experts recommend early breastfeeding, some mothers wait until they’re home. Even knowing breast milk is more nutritious, some still give up.

We believe that once mothers overcome these myths and build confidence, they can succeed. Confidence doesn’t come from a perfect start—it grows from every attempt, every adjustment, every small success, and knowing there’s a professional team behind them. Breastfeeding may be tough, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Ms. Lam: Breastfeeding Is a Journey of Love and Challenges

Every mother’s experience deserves respect and appreciation. Whether exclusively breastfeeding, partially, or trying again after stopping—every journey is valid. With the right information and support, each mother can find what works best for her.

Breast milk offers the purest, most suitable nutrition and builds deep emotional bonds. From my experience with two children, I’ve seen the value of responsive feeding. In the golden hours after birth, early skin contact and feeding within the first hour, plus rooming-in, help establish breastfeeding. By day three, when milk comes in, the baby’s sucking relieves discomfort and boosts supply. Even after returning to work, I continued morning and evening feeds, which nourished my babies and deepened our bond. Their healthy growth is my biggest motivation.

Conclusion

We believe hospitals, families, and society must work together to dispel breastfeeding myths, promote accurate knowledge, and build a supportive environment. Only then can babies receive the best nutrition and care in their early life stages.

To all mothers: You are amazing! Every effort you make is a powerful act of love. Believe in yourself and keep going—your baby’s health and happiness are the best rewards.

You are not alone. On this breastfeeding journey, we are here with you, along with many others walking the same path. No matter where you are—just starting, struggling, or thriving—you deserve support, understanding, and encouragement. Stay confident and face each challenge bravely, because your love helps your baby grow healthier and happier.

Wishing you all a successful breastfeeding journey!

Editor-in-Chief: Dr Shirley Leung

Editorial Team: Mrs Francis Au, Dr Ana Lee, Ms Vicky Tsang, Ms Carmen Tse, Ms Sharon Tsui, Ms Sherrie Wong

Illustration: Ms Iris Leung

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