Let's bust some breastfeeding myths!
Breastfeeding is important, but it's seldom easy. Many parents face common, shared challenges but they suffer in silence because they believe they are alone. In fact, breastfeeding is a journey filled with highs and lows shared by millions of families. Don’t be stopped by these challenges or myths! Knowledge is power. You’ve got this, mama!
MYTH #1
Because Breastfeeding is Natural, It Should Be Easy
TRUE FACT
Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby learn together. It’s unlikely to be effortless from Day 1. Just because you experience latch issues, pain, or awkwardness at first doesn’t mean you won’t succeed.
Personal experience: My son had both a tongue and lip tie, and my daughter refused to latch for days. Getting my son’s tongue tie fixed and working through frustration with my daughter helped me reach my breastfeeding goals—but it wasn’t easy.
Takeaway: You don’t have to give up! If you feel overwhelmed or in pain, a knowledgeable lactation consultant can help you get unstuck.
MYTH #2
If You Don't Exclusively Breastfeed, You've Failed
TRUE FACT
I know this nasty myth far too well. I fought the guilt of supplementing with formula for my daughter. But the best advice I got from my lactation consultant? "Even one ounce of breastmilk a day has huge benefits for your baby." That reassurance helped me shift my mindset. I successfully breastfed my son for 18 months, even while supplementing with formula during a long work trip.
Takeaway: You’re a great mom whether you exclusively breastfeed, supplement, or exclusively pump. Fed and healthy is best.
MYTH #3
If You Eat or Drink Something "Bad," You Need to Pump & Dump
TRUE FACT
You don’t have to pump and dump your breastmilk after drinking alcohol or eating spicy food.
The science:
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Alcohol and food components leave your breastmilk at the same rate as they leave your bloodstream.
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If your baby has food allergies, a pediatrician or lactation consultant can help you adjust your diet without stopping breastfeeding.
MYTH #4
If Your Baby Is Always Hungry, You’re Not Producing Enough Milk
TRUE FACT
When your baby suddenly wants to nurse constantly, it’s usually a growth spurt—not a sign of low supply. This is called “cluster feeding”—and it’s a real, overwhelming, exhausting experience.
I remember feeling frustrated, exhausted, and worried. But chances are, your milk supply is perfect, and your baby is just helping you produce more for their next developmental leap.
Takeaway: Trust your instincts. Stay hydrated and rested (or at least try!). If your baby isn’t having regular dirty diapers or isn’t gaining weight, consult a lactation specialist or pediatrician.
MYTH #5
Never Ever Add Warm Milk to Chilled Milk
TRUE FACT
This common rule has zero scientific backing. Moms deserve the truth:
Breastmilk is NOT frail! Expressed breastmilk has incredible antibacterial properties that actually fight harmful bacteria. Peer-reviewed and published research by leading pediatricians confirms that our breastmilk doesn't develop bad bacteria the same as a chicken breast thawing on your kitchen counter. Brilliant doctors who have studied the remarkable aspects of breastmilk confirm something truly great: not only can you add warm milk to chilled, doing so has benefits for you and your baby!
According to Dr. Stellwagen and her pediatric medicine colleagues:
“Hospitals have traditionally recommended that milk from each pump session should be individually stored, but this approach has not been validated. Furthermore, the merits of 24-hour pooling of mother's own milk have not been examined in the clinical environment. We found that a single daily pooling strategy provides several important benefits— consistent nutrient quality, equivalent bacterial content, and improved maternal satisfaction—over individualized collection.”
Lisa M. Stellwagen, Yvonne E. Vaucher, Christina S. Chan, Taylor D. Montminy, and Jae H. Kim
Breastfeeding Medicine Vol. 8, No. 2, Published Online: April 10, 2013
Takeaway: Mixing warm and chilled milk is safe and can even have nutritional benefits.
🔗 Read more about safe pooling and storage in our Breastmilk Storage Guide.
Why Bust Breastfeeding Myths?
Ceres Chill founder Lisa Myers is a full-time working mom of two who believes women shouldn’t have to compromise breastfeeding goals. Being a parent and achieving your goals don’t have to be in conflict.
Being a parent and being your true self doesn't need to be in conflict. You can push for personal achievement without compromising all of your goals as a mom. Work and maybe even travel, too? Not a problem. It might be tough at times, but you’ve got this!
That’s why Ceres Chill exists—to give breastfeeding moms an easy, beautiful, and safe way to store pumped milk while reducing obstacles.
Hundreds of moms—doctors, nurses, soldiers, teachers, postal workers, EMTs, and more—have relied on Ceres Chill to make their breastfeeding journey easier.
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No more clunky coolers.
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No more ice packs.
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No more disposable plastic waste.
It’s time for a smarter way to pump and store milk!
This chiller is a game changer—as a surgeon, I'm often running to or from the hospital or clinic.
I was worried I might stick my milk in a fridge and forget it, or not bring enough ice packs for a little cooler. I have a wearable pump, so when I'm done with a case I can pump while finishing my charting, put my milk into the Ceres Chill, and keep moving with my day. It stays ice-cold all day long. It's also great for middle-of-the-night pumping when the baby sleeps and I need to empty—I can do a quick pump directly into the Ceres Chill and go right back to sleep without having to go downstairs. Also, super easy to clean. Worth every penny! Also customer service is amazing.
Alexandra
Surgeon
Must have!
I just used my new Ceres Chill on a 16+ hour road trip with my 10 week old and it was a game changer! It was so convenient and easy to use and provided a ton of peace of mind knowing the milk I had was staying cold! I highly recommend this product and cannot wait to keep using it, exploring its full potential 👍👍
Kacey
7/22/2020
Amazing product
Highly recommend
These chillers are amazing to store breast milk in. I love how I can fill up the bigger container with ice water and the smaller chamber with just my milk to keep it chilled all day long. Totally recommend this product to any working, breastfeeding and pumping parent.
Crystal J.
8/25/2020