Nobody really talks about the mental health side of breastfeeding, do they? Sure, everyone mentions the physical challenges – the sore nipples, the exhaustion, the learning curve of getting a baby to latch properly. But what about those 3am moments when you’re sitting in the dark feeling like you’re failing at something that’s supposed to be “natural”?
Let us tell you this right now – you’re not failing. Not one bit.
The truth is that breastfeeding can have a profound impact on your mental health, both positive and challenging. While it does have incredible benefits for both you and your baby, it can also bring unexpected stress, anxiety, and sometimes overwhelming feelings of guilt or inadequacy, and the most important thing to understand here is, it’s not your fault.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re struggling emotionally with breastfeeding, you’re absolutely not alone. This isn’t about being weak or ungrateful, it’s about acknowledging that feeding your baby is as much a mental and emotional experience as it is a physical one.
In this guide, we’re exploring how breastfeeding and mental health are connected, why the emotional side of feeding can feel so intense, and practical ways to support your well-being during this journey. We’ll also look at how tools like Munchkin’s Flow can help reduce some of the stress and uncertainty that contributes to maternal mental health challenges.
Insights from Munchkin’s Lactation Specialist, Kerry Baker (Registered Midwife and Lactation Consultant, International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)) on maternal mental health and breastfeeding…
There’s a wealth of evidence showing how poor breastfeeding experiences can negatively impact women’s mental health. This deserves urgent attention and action to reduce the number of women feeling this way.
The grief that comes from not breastfeeding or stopping before women are ready is a persistent issue that must be addressed. With better support we can start to improve the breastfeeding experience and protect women’s mental health.
Does breastfeeding affect mental health?
The short answer is yes, sometimes breastfeeding can affect mental health, but not always in the ways you might expect. The relationship between breastfeeding and mental health is complex, with both benefits and difficulties that can vary greatly from one person to another.
Breastfeeding stress can stem from multiple sources. Physical discomfort and pain can wear down your emotional resilience, especially when you’re already dealing with sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, and birth recovery. When feeding isn’t going smoothly, it’s easy to feel frustrated, anxious, or like you’re somehow failing your baby, which we can wholeheartedly remind you that you are not failing. Your strength is like nothing else in this turbulent time and you should have more love for yourself than ever before!
Breastfeeding stress can also come from psychological worry, repetitive thoughts such as whether your baby is getting enough milk, the pressure to be available for every feed, and the weight of feeling solely responsible for your baby’s nutrition can take its toll, especially when you’re adjusting to the enormous life changes of becoming a parent! Experiencing a traumatic birth experience can also add to these feelings.
How breastfeeding impacts mental health in a positive way?
While breastfeeding can be challenging at times, there are also clear mental health benefits of breastfeeding. Hormones released during feeds, especially oxytocin can support relaxation and emotional connection, helping you feel more at ease. The feeling of gratitude you get when breastfeeding is going well and how fulfilling your relationship with your baby feels mid-feed is also a great mental health boost. Many women share how it meets their innate desires to feed their baby and how good that feels when they are achieving this.
The physical benefits of breastfeeding include the lower risk of reproductive cancers in women that breastfeed as well as lower risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones) later in life for those who breastfeed.
The emotional impact of breastfeeding – why is breastfeeding so hard, mentally?
It’s a question many new mums quietly ask themselves, and the answer is complex. The connection between mental health and breastfeeding is deeply personal, and when things don’t go as planned, the emotional impact can be huge.
This relationship isn’t straightforward, though – while breastfeeding issues can significantly impact mental well-being, research also shows that when established successfully, breastfeeding can actually support maternal mental health.
La Leche League GB highlights that successful breastfeeding can cut the risk of postnatal depression by up to 50%, thanks to the hormonal benefits and the emotional satisfaction that comes from meeting a mother’s feeding goals.
However, getting to that place can be tough. Problems with latching, worrying about your milk supply, or ongoing pain can make you doubt yourself – and then there’s the pressure from society. Even though everyone means well, hearing that breastfeeding is “natural” or “best” can make you feel guilty when things aren’t going well. (Newsflash – there is no right way to feed your baby, and if breastfeeding isn’t your route, whether by choice or necessity, it’s ok!) Worrying about what others might think or feeling like you’re not living up to expectations makes everything tougher. The key here is ensuring that you are supported to breastfeed if you want to, and if you feel that the lack of support is the reason why you are not achieving your goals, then this is what we want to work towards avoiding.
These breastfeeding challenges don’t just affect your baby; they can also shake your confidence as a new parent. In fact, research from the British Journal of Midwifery shows that 45% of breastfeeding mothers experience anxiety related to feeding issues, so you’re definitely not alone.
When early difficulties are recognised and addressed rather than dismissed, breastfeeding can become a genuinely rewarding experience.
Munchkin’s Lactation Specialist, Kerry on supporting mental well-being through breastfeeding…
There’s a clear link between breastfeeding challenges, or having to stop earlier than planned, and poor mental health in women. We want to help change this by making sure women get the right support to breastfeed successfully, using the services and resources available to them.
If you’re feeling low, tearful, anxious, fearful or experiencing aversion linked to breastfeeding, these are important signs that support could really help you feel better. Breastfeeding can be exhausting and all-consuming, but it should also feel mostly enjoyable for the most part and rewarding. If that’s not your experience right now, reaching out for help can make a real difference.
Practical tips to manage breastfeeding stress
Breastfeeding stress is real, and managing it means a mix of practical tips and emotional support. When you have ways to handle the tough moments, the mental health benefits of breastfeeding become much easier to enjoy.
One of the best things you can do is build a support network. This might be joining a local breastfeeding group, chatting with other new parents online, or just being open with friends and family. Knowing you’re not the only one going through it can be a huge comfort.
Another important way to manage stress is to prioritise self-care, even in small moments. Whether it’s enjoying a quick shower, listening to your favourite song, or just taking a few quiet minutes to yourself, these little breaks can help recharge your energy and clear your mind.
Having soothing essentials nearby, like a warm drink in a Munchkin insulated cup (which you can give to your little one when they grow older) and a comfy baby swing to safely settle your baby, helps create a restful space and restore your mental energy. Try some simple relaxation techniques, too – deep breaths, or even a few moments using a wellness app before a feed can help ease any tension.
If things start to feel overwhelming, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Midwives and health visitors can help with feeding issues, and NHS maternal mental health services are there to provide additional care and advice.
And don’t forget the practical tools: Munchkin’s Flow nipple shield, for example, lets you actually see your breast milk flowing, giving you confidence when you’re unsure if your baby’s feeding. Plus, don’t forget Munchkin’s cool touch microwave steriliser bags, which can help keep your feeding and pumping equipment clean and bacteria-free quickly and easily,reducing anxiety about cleanliness so you can focus on what matters most.
Remember, taking care of your mental health isn’t selfish – it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. From soothing white noise machines to comfortable feeding spaces, when you’ve built a calm environment and you’re feeling calmer and more confident, everything gets a bit easier.
How Munchkin’s Flow can help
One of the biggest worries for breastfeeding mums is not knowing if their little one is actually getting milk. Munchkin’s Flow tackles this head-on with its see-through channel that lets you see milk flowing during feeds – giving you that much-needed visual reassurance.
For mums feeling anxious or struggling with their mental health around feeding, being able to see the milk can really help. Instead of stressing through every feed, wondering whether the baby’s getting enough, you get real proof it’s happening. That kind of clarity can help ease anxiety and break the cycle of worry and doubt.
Flow can also relieve nipple pain associated with breastfeeding. When feeding is easier and more comfortable, it naturally supports your mental well-being. For extra tips and real talk from parents who’ve been through it all, check out Munchkin’s StrollerCoaster parenting podcast and the Munchkin blog. For more specialist advice, chat with Erica, our expert advice bot. Erica offers personalised guidance for all your queries, and she’s always got your back.
Just remember, Flow is there to support you, not replace advice from your midwife or health visitor. If you’re finding breastfeeding mentally tough, ensure that professional help is sought to ensure that Flow is appropriate for your situation and a bridge between getting on track and keeping breastfeeding going. You’ve got this.
A kind word from Kerry…
You are not alone in this. If you feel your mental health has been affected since breastfeeding, there is so much help at hand. Flow can be so helpful during those tough times. When delays happen for any number of reasons, Flow can help keep milk flowing and baby fed directly at the breast – buying time until your concerns are properly addressed and a plan is in place to support you.
When early support is in place, milk supply is more likely to be preserved, and breastfeeding can continue, reducing the risk of long-term supply issues. If there’s a gap between needing help and getting it, Flow could be the life jacket you need to keep things afloat whilst you get the practical support and answers you need.
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