Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural, instinctive part of motherhood—something your body is just supposed to know how to do. For many moms, the reality is far from the idealized image. Struggles with latch, supply, pain, and exhaustion are more common than we’re led to believe. Yet, if you’re one of the many mothers who finds breastfeeding challenging, I want you to know this: it’s okay to feel like it’s hard. It’s okay to feel like it’s taking a toll on your mental health, because you’re not alone and it can be hard.

For me, breastfeeding was a key part of my own experience with postpartum depression. After my son was born, complications like jaundice and challenges with supply affected our ability to bond. I pushed myself to breastfeed, combo-feed and pump longer than I probably should have, not realizing at the time just how much my mental health was suffering because of it. Looking back, I can see the toll it took on me, but in the moment, I was simply trying to be the “good” mom. That pressure, along with so many other factors, contributed to my postpartum depression (PPD).

If you’re feeling the weight of breastfeeding or combination feeding, please know that your mental health matters just as much as nourishing your baby. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

The Hidden Pressure of Breastfeeding

For many moms, breastfeeding isn’t just a physical act; it’s tied to deep emotional expectations. We’re often told that breastfeeding is natural, so when things don’t go as planned—when there are issues with latch, low supply, or pain—it’s easy to feel like we’re failing. And if you already have perfectionist tendencies or struggle with anxiety, these challenges can be even more intense.

I remember feeling overwhelmed by the idea that my body was supposed to know what to do, and when it didn’t, I blamed myself. It’s only now, in retrospect, that I can see how much my mental health was wrapped up in trying to breastfeed. The idea that I had to keep going, that stopping would somehow make me less of a mother, was a huge contributor to the weight I was carrying.

Your Journey Deserves Validation

Nadia Bellio, a Registered Midwife, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and MSW student therapist, understands these struggles deeply. With over 20 years of experience supporting new moms, she knows how complex breastfeeding can be—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Nadia’s approach combines her clinical expertise with compassionate support for your mental health, so that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Breastfeeding is often portrayed as something that should come naturally, but the truth is, every mom’s experience is different. For some, it’s relatively smooth, but for many others, it’s filled with challenges. No matter where you are in your journey, it’s important to know that your mental health doesn’t have to be sacrificed. You deserve to feel supported and seen, not just in your role as a mother but as a person who needs care, too.

Mental Health and Feeding: Finding Balance

It can be hard to know when to keep going and when to let go. I stayed in the cycle of pumping and breastfeeding longer than I should have, not realizing that the toll it was taking on my mental health was affecting my ability to be present. Whether you’re breastfeeding, combination feeding, or have transitioned to formula, know that there’s no one “right” way. What matters most is that both you and your baby are healthy—physically and mentally.

If you’re struggling, here are a few things to remember along the way:

• It’s okay to ask for help: Whether it’s lactation support, mental health support, or just a listening ear, reaching out doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.
• It’s okay to change your mind: If something isn’t working for you, whether it’s breastfeeding, pumping, or anything else, you’re allowed to reassess. Your decisions can evolve, and that’s part of taking care of yourself.
• Your worth isn’t defined by how you feed your baby: You are doing an amazing job, no matter what your feeding journey looks like.

When to Seek Extra Support

If the struggles around feeding are making it hard to cope, it might be time to seek some extra support. Nadia Bellio is now accepting new clients for virtual therapy sessions. With her unique blend of midwifery, lactation expertise, and mental health training, she offers a safe, compassionate space where you can process the emotions surrounding your feeding journey. Whether you need help working through the anxiety, stress, or depression that can accompany new motherhood, Nadia is here to support you.

Ongoing appointments are available at a reduced rate, with sliding scale available.

You can book a free consultation here.

Breastfeeding, like so many parts of motherhood, isn’t always what we expect. It can be messy, beautiful, exhausting, and rewarding all at once. It’s okay if your journey doesn’t match the idealized image.

If you’re feeling the weight of it all, know that you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid, and there’s no shame in seeking support if you need it.  Whether you need to talk through your struggles or reassess what’s best for you and your baby, support is available. Reach out to Nadia for guidance, compassion, and care that honors your mental health as much as your role as a mother.

If you’re not sure about therapy just yet, you can check out our free resource Nourishing You and Your Baby: Mental Health Support for Your Feeding Journey