Natural or Cultural? Myths About Breastfeeding

Kır E.

12. Uluslararası 16. Ulusal Ebelik Öğrenci Kongresi, Karabük, Turkey, 14 - 16 May 2026, pp.90-92, (Summary Text)

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Karabük
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.90-92
  • Yozgat Bozok University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Breast milk is the most fundamental nutritional source for newborns. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continuing breastfeeding until the age of 2. However, global rates of exclusive breastfeeding remain below targeted levels.

Breastfeeding, while being a natural and physiological process, is also a biocultural act influenced by social, economic, and cultural contexts. Breastfeeding myths are culturally embedded misconceptions that lack scientific basis and are transmitted across generations. These myths include beliefs that breast milk is insufficient and weak, that formula milk is as good as breast milk, that breastfeeding in public is shameful, and that certain foods should be restricted. Additionally, common myths such as the necessity of supplementing the newborn with foods other than breast milk due to traditional practices and cultural norms, that milk will not come in after cesarean section, that breastfeeding is painful and difficult, that breastfeeding should be stopped during illness, and that some babies do not like breast milk also negatively affect the breastfeeding process. When early return to work, health problems, and negative attitudes combine with myths, breastfeeding success decreases.

Midwives have a significant influence, either perpetuating or refuting breastfeeding myths. Midwives should address breastfeeding myths with scientific evidence during prenatal education starting from the antenatal period, promote early initiation and skin-to-skin contact within the first half hour after birth, demonstrate proper breastfeeding techniques to mothers practically, strengthen environmental support through education that includes grandparents and spouses, provide breastfeeding counseling services, and establish regular follow-up and support groups in community health centers.

The aim of this review is to examine whether breastfeeding is a natural process or a culturally shaped practice, to identify common breastfeeding myths in society, and to reveal the negative effects of these myths on breastfeeding success.