Motherhood is a rewarding yet challenging experience, especially when it comes to breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding, an effortless process, comes with its fair share of challenges. Painful latching, episodes of cluster feeding, sleep deprivation, and postpartum recovery are what make it a challenging experience.
Just like your physical health, it has a significant impact on your mental health, too. Initially beginning as a mental battle, it may end up worsening your postpartum depression.
7 Factors that Make Breastfeeding Mentally Challenging
Breastmilk undeniably is the complete nutrition for your baby. Also, the large amounts of antibodies in the human milk are required to strengthen the baby’s immune system.
But it isn’t that simple and requires one to understand the stages of breast milk regulation. The following physical, mental, and social factors can make breastfeeding hard.
1- Postpartum Hormone Crash
Soon after a mother delivers her baby, there is a sudden drop in progesterone and estrogen levels. This drop in the estrogen level contributes to the feeling of sadness and irritability that sometimes turn into postpartum depression.
2- Latching Difficulty
A successful latch is what determines the success of breastfeeding. But it isn’t as easy as it sounds. The ability to establish a comfortable latch depends on multiple factors.
Sometimes, babies can’t latch appropriately because of underlying issues such as tongue tie. Some other factors also include improper positing, nipple aversion, etc.
As a new mom, trying to latch correctly can be a significant challenge that may lead to stress and anxiety.
3- Milk Supply Troubles
Another possible reason why most women feel the mental load of breastfeeding is that they encounter milk supply issues. They often stress over whether they produce enough milk or if their baby is full.
Some women genuinely experience low milk supply because of different reasons. Birth interventions, infections, feeding frequency, and stress are some of the culprits to blame. These concerns about milk supply can also contribute to the problems.
4- Postpartum Insomnia
Not being able to sleep 8 hours in a row? You are not alone.
Most mothers go through what we call postpartum insomnia.
Newborns are often very demanding, requiring feed every 2-3 hours and can still show signs of hunger. Also, physical recovery, postpartum depression, and hyperarousal are some of the reasons why you can’t get enough sleep.
This postpartum insomnia can leave you exhausted and drained and you may find yourself struggling to perform routine tasks.
5- ‘Breastfeeding Is the Only Right Infant Nutrition’ Stigma
Breastfeeding is the only right choice for babies and is considered the golden standard of infant nutrition. Also, you are only a good mother if you choose to nurse your baby, etc.
Society’s obsession with breastfeeding is another trigger behind the mental load of breastfeeding. This often leads to women wondering about their choices despite their other challenges.
The unspoken pressure triggers the feeling of guilt, shame, and anxiety. All of these tend to be damaging to the mental health of the mother and negatively affect the breastfeeding experience.
6- Sensory Overload
Breastfeeding a young one is a full-time job, whether you are pumping or expressing milk. A woman may need to spend several hours a day nursing and her baby can still be hungry after feeding.
This constant feeling of need and spending your days and nights with your baby being attached to your breast can be overstimulating. This sensory lead is what makes breastfeeding quite challenging.
7- Feeling Isolated
You just gave birth, and you are stuck with your newborn, feeding them every hour while recovering physically from the birth. No one can share your burden, and your personal space no longer exists.
The FOMO is real and can promote the feeling of loneliness and isolation among mothers. So, this 6 is what makes breastfeeding more challenging.
5 Tips to Keep Your Sanity While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a roller coaster ride with new ups and downs. However, the effect of breastfeeding on your mental health can be more severe than you think.
But the good part is that you can always find your way through them. Here is all you need to know about overcoming this burden of breastfeeding on your mental health.
1- Be Gentle on You
The first thing you need to do is to be gentle with yourself. You need to understand that you are still in your recovery phase. So, prioritize your mental health and stop questioning yourself.
2- Set Realistic Expectations
Just like pregnancy, everyone’s breastfeeding journey is also unique. However, feeling overwhelmed by other’s experiences is natural.
But make sure that you have realistic expectations. Whether exclusive breastfeeding or mixed feeding, find what works best for you and your baby and say goodbye to the guilt.
3- Take Care of Yourself
Breastfeeding becomes easier when you take good care of yourself. Here are the tips you need to follow:
4- Have a Support System
You might feel lonely while juggling with breastfeeding. However, it may get easier as you surround yourself with people sailing the same boat.
You can join groups, find help from fellow moms, and seek support from friends or family.
5- Know When to Seek Help
Sometimes, no matter how much you try, you find yourself stuck, and that’s why knowing when is the right time to seek help is essential.
You can consult a lactation specialist to help you overcome these challenges. For some people, therapies also work fine.
You can book via Tongue Tie Phoenix and pave your path to a healthy and happy breastfeeding journey.
Bottom Line
Breastfeeding is a constant struggle for new moms, leading to both physical and mental health challenges. A combination of physical, emotional, and social pressure makes it more challenging by adding to your mental burden.
Remember that breastfeeding is not a competition; focus on finding what works best for you. Also, do all you need to improve your mental health because a healthy mother will make a healthy baby.
