Breastfeeding Struggles: Giving Yourself Permission to Stop or Supplement
You Don’t HAVE to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is a topic full of strong opinions, controversy, and emotional weight. For me, it was one of the most stressful, anxiety-producing parts of motherhood.
My Breastfeeding Struggles
I struggled to feed both of my children. My kids had trouble gaining weight, and it became such a point of anxiety for me.
I wanted so badly to breastfeed. It was going to be my redemption story — after so much science and support helped me get pregnant (thank you IVF!), I thought breastfeeding would be the most natural thing I could do for my baby.
And you know what? It didn’t work.
Even with all the support and knowledge I had, I felt this intense pressure not to supplement or switch to bottles and formula.
What I Needed to Hear
Here’s what I wish someone had told me:
It’s OK to be done breastfeeding.
It’s OK if you don’t want to do it anymore.
It’s OK if it’s not working for you, your baby, or your family.
If You Want to Keep Trying
If breastfeeding is something you do want to continue, there are incredible resources available. You do not have to suffer through or sacrifice yourself mentally, physically, or emotionally to feed your baby.
Work with a lactation consultant.
Learn strategies to make feeding easier.
Check out resources like the Heybrook for local support.
Feeding Is About More Than Baby
Feeding is one of the first big parenting challenges — and it forced me to think about what was truly best for me, not just my baby.
For me, feeding impacted everything:
Weight gain
Nap routines
Being able to leave my baby for work or fun
Looking back, the answer was clear: supplement with formula, and/or switch to bottles. But in the moment, it felt impossibly hard.
Dismantling Motherhood Martyrdom
At the risk of sounding preachy… I hope our generation continues to dismantle the idea of martyrdom in motherhood.
How much you struggle or sacrifice yourself does not make you a better mom. What your little one really needs is a mother who:
Takes care of herself
Finds joy
Makes decisions that work for herself AND her family
What I Hope You Know
You are not alone in this. Breastfeeding struggles are isolating, but you always have options.
Know when to seek help — and where to find it.
Remember that you have choices (breastfeeding, formula feeding, combo feeding).
Take care of yourself as much as you take care of your baby.
Because you matter ❤️
