Myth: Formula is the next best thing to breastfeeding.
While commercial infant formulas are commonly perceived to be the medically recommended second choice infant food after breastfeeding, the World Health Organization (WHO) states: "The second choice is the mother's own milk expressed and given to the infant in some way. The third choice is the milk of another human mother. The forth and last choice is artificial baby milk."
Myth: "I can't produce enough milk!"
The amount of milk a mother produces is based solely on supply and demand. This means that the more often and effectively your baby nurses, the more milk you will make. This is why La Leche League recommends nursing on demand, especially during the early months. New moms are encouraged to watch their baby for signs of hunger, rather than watching the clock and scheduling feedings.
Myth: Formula will help your baby sleep through the night.
Formula requires a baby's digestives system to work overtime as the baby tries to digest something not specific to the human body. Formula is harder to digest than human milk, so formula-fed babies tend to go longer between feedings.
