breastfeedingemotionsinfantsmotherhoodstories · July 7, 2026 · 2 min read

More Than Just the Milk: Why Breastfeeding Struggles Don’t Have to Define Motherhood

By Dr. Sarah Chen

Sneak peek: Breastfeeding struggles in the very first months of motherhood are common however they don’t have to ruin those early motherhood moments.Breastfeeding can feel far more hard than many new mommies expect. A brand-new look at breastfeeding based on the newest parenting research. While these factors may be at play, one particular study showed that breastfeeding was associated with 2 essential parenting practices:(1)responding to children’s psychological cues, and(2 )reading to kids as early as 9 months of age.Using a national sample of 7,500 moms and their kids from birth to age 5, this study showed that moms who breastfed were more most likely to practice these crucial parenting abilities. In other words, one of the finest things for our infants, in addition to breast milk, is a completely present, responsive, healthy mama.Breastfeeding Struggles in the First Weeks: My Story I came to this realization after numerous breastfeeding battles myself. The guilt and shame often associated with not breastfeeding take a toll on many mothers ‘mental health.Related reading: Will Co-Sleeping with My Kids Ruin My Marriage?

Slip peek: Breastfeeding struggles in the first months of motherhood are common however they do not have to ruin those early motherhood moments.Breastfeeding can feel far more difficult than numerous new mommies anticipate. In other words, one of the finest things for our children, in addition to breast milk, is a totally present, responsive, healthy mama.Breastfeeding Struggles in the First Weeks: My Story I came to this awareness after numerous breastfeeding battles myself. The guilt and embarassment often associated with not breastfeeding take a toll on numerous moms ‘psychological health.Related reading: Will Co-Sleeping with My Kids Ruin My Marriage?

Written by Dr. Sarah Chen

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