...and why it’s time to let them go
Let’s be real, mum groups can be an incredible source of support, but they can also be a breeding ground for outdated advice. Amongst the meal planning chats, poo updates, and midnight venting sessions, some persistent breastfeeding myths still pop up and they can leave new mums second-guessing themselves.
At The Night Owl, we’re here to clear the fog, bust the myths, and cheer you on in your feeding journey, no matter what that looks like.
Here are five myths we still see doing the rounds, and what the actual evidence (and lived experience) says instead.
🍼 Myth 1: “You shouldn’t express or pump in the first six weeks.”
Reality: You can pump in the early weeks and for some mums, it’s essential.
While exclusive breastfeeding is often recommended during the early postpartum period to establish supply and support bonding, that doesn’t mean pumping is off-limits. Some mums need to pump early due to latch issues, NICU stays, tongue ties, or personal preference. And others pump to relieve engorgement or to have milk on hand for a partner to feed.
What matters most is using a gentle approach and a well-fitting pump that supports your supply, like our Mumma Owl or Original Night Owl.
💡 Tip: If you’re pumping in the early days, keep sessions short and sweet, and always double-check flange size, your breasts are still adjusting!
🐄 Myth 2: “If you’re not leaking, your supply must be low.”
Reality: Leaking is not a supply indicator! Some mums just never leak!
We’ve heard it all: “You don’t leak? You must not have much milk.” Nope. Leaking (or not leaking) has more to do with breast storage capacity, milk ejection reflex, and how your body regulates supply, not how much milk you’re actually making.
If your bub has plenty of wet nappies, is gaining weight, and seems satisfied after feeds or bottles, you’re nailing it.
🐣 Myth 3: “Stored breast milk isn’t as good as fresh breast milk.”
Reality: Stored milk is still magic. ✨
Whether it’s been in the fridge or freezer, your expressed milk is full of immune-boosting, growth-supporting goodness. As long as it’s stored correctly, it’s absolutely safe and beneficial for your baby. Don’t let anyone make you feel like feeding from a bottle somehow “doesn’t count.”
💛 Breastmilk is breastmilk – pumped, frozen, bottle-fed or straight from the boob. Every drop is liquid gold.
🕰️ Myth 4: “You should only pump every 3 hours.”
Reality: There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, just patterns that work for you.
Three-hourly pumping is a general guideline, but the truth is, every mum and every baby is different. If you’re exclusively pumping, you may need to mimic a newborn’s feeding schedule (yes, even at 2am 😅). If you're combo feeding, your schedule might look completely different.
What matters is finding a rhythm that protects your supply and your sanity.
🦉 The Night Owl’s wearable pumps are designed to give you flexibility, so you can pump when it works for you, hands-free.
🐐 Myth 5: “Formula is a failure.”
Reality: Formula is not a failure, it’s a feeding tool.
Let’s leave the guilt at the door. While breastfeeding is amazing, it’s not always smooth sailing. Some mums top up, some combo feed, and some switch entirely and that’s OK. Using formula doesn’t cancel out the breast milk you’ve given, nor does it erase the hours spent pumping, nursing, or researching flange sizes at 1am.
You are not less of a mum because of how you feed your baby. Full stop.
In the end
Whether you're exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combo feeding, or just figuring it all out, you’re doing a great job. Don’t let outdated myths dim your confidence.
At The Night Owl, we’re here to support modern mums with practical tools, wearable pumps, and real-life encouragement that fits into your already full hands and hearts.
Because the only thing that’s outdated?
Judgement.
