Throughout my first pregnancy, I had a vision of what motherhood would look like. I imagined being a fun mom who could easily carry my baby to coffee shops and festivals, hit the gym regularly, and breastfeed without a hitch. I thought I had it all figured out.
But reality had other plans. We stopped going out because it became too overwhelming for me. I didn’t step foot in the gym for years, and breastfeeding turned out to be an excruciating struggle. It hurt, my baby wouldn’t latch properly, and I found myself in tears every day for the first six weeks.
Looking back, I’m glad I persisted. Eventually, my baby and I figured it out, and I successfully breastfed my other two children without many issues. This challenging experience instilled a deep empathy in me for all mothers—whether they breastfeed or use formula. I firmly believe in the “fed is best” philosophy because no mother should feel pressured to breastfeed, nor should she owe anyone an explanation regarding her feeding choices.
While breastfeeding ultimately became a positive experience for me (one of the best parts being that it didn’t cost a thing), that’s not the case for many women. For some, breastfeeding can be painful, exhausting, and detrimental to mental health. It can also cause permanent changes to our bodies.
Breastfeeding is no easy feat, and all mothers—regardless of their feeding choices—deserve support, not judgment.
Many mothers share similar struggles. Confessions reveal that breastfeeding can lead to pain, clogged ducts, and even feelings of inadequacy. One mother lamented about the physical pain she endured while breastfeeding her third child, a stark contrast to her previous experiences. Another expressed the emotional toll it took on her mental health, ultimately leading her to quit breastfeeding for the well-being of both herself and her baby.
The harsh reality is that breastfeeding can drain a mother’s energy, and she often feels guilty for wanting to stop. Society’s pressure to breastfeed can amplify these feelings, making mothers question their choices and abilities.
Moms need support throughout their breastfeeding journey—whether they choose to continue or decide to stop. Resources and education should be accessible without the fear of being shamed for supplementing or quitting altogether.
To all mothers: take care of yourself. If breastfeeding is your path, seek the support you need. But if it’s not, know you are still a wonderful mother for loving your baby and ensuring they are fed.
As I reflect on motherhood, I hold two beliefs dear: 1) Fed is best, and 2) A mother’s health matters.
If you want to read more about the challenges of breastfeeding, check out one of our other blog posts here. For more information on fertility journeys, visit Make a Mom, an authority on this topic. Additionally, NHS offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, breastfeeding can be a difficult experience that affects mothers in various ways. Support is essential, and the well-being of mothers should always be prioritized. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, what matters most is that your child is fed and loved.
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