We all know breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world, but let’s not mistake natural for being easy. Indeed many new mothers will tell you that initiating breastfeeding was one of the most challenging things of early motherhood. In most cases, continuing breastfeeding takes patience, time, and determination. Getting the right support is also key to enjoying a successful breastfeeding journey.
When we asked mothers on social media what the hardest parts of breastfeeding were, they answered in their droves. It was a chance for them to be totally open and honest about their own personal struggles with breastfeeding. We read everyone’s responses and collated the most common ones to share with you now.
Here are the six hardest parts about breastfeeding!
Pictured: Grace Redmond breastfeeding her son in hospital
For most mothers, breastfeeding support begins in the hospital after giving birth. The kind of support we receive can be crucial to us continuing to breastfeed. However, receiving good breastfeeding support in the hospital is not always easy to come by. Many of us encounter midwives who are too busy to help us breastfeed, or those who give outdated advice, or encourage us to formula feed instead. If this is the case for you, speak up and ask for breastfeeding support, or to speak with the infant feeding specialist at the hospital.
“No support from hospital or phn at the start. My phn was coming out to my house every few days to weight baby and was adamant I needed to top up with formula. I didn’t top up with formula but felt I had to lie about it to get her off my back!! Baby is now a very healthy 2.3 year old and still bf 
” Emma-Jane Brophy (via boobingit members group on Facebook)
“The lack of support from hospital/HV- This has lead me to become a breastfeeding peer supporter!” Danielle Dewhurst (via boobingit members group on Facebook)
Our guide ‘Breastfeeding After Giving Birth‘ will help you get breastfeeding off to the best possible start.
Pictured: Kiana Van Kempen breastfeeding daughter
Breastfeeding takes up a lot of time and energy, and it can be very draining, especially when breastfeeding a newborn or a sick baby who may be feeding more than ever. It is easy to feel a huge pressure when you are your baby’s main source of nutrition and it may feel like you can never have a break or time to yourself. If you are feeling like things are getting on top of you then speak to those closest to you and ask for help and support.
“The relentless and feeling like you are constantly on demand – worth it but hard!!” @kirstiepigg (via Instagram)
“The pressure of being the only one that can settle baby/get baby to sleep” @libbymoss.x (via Instagram)
“It’s just you and it can be a lonely place” @montee.and.lovella (via Instagram)
“Trapped, no break, the physical side” Grace Redmond (via Instagram)
“Not being about to just get up & out for an hour for a break without expressing and worrying” Emily Calam (via Instagram)
“I often have feelings of resentment or burnout because I feel I am doing all the calming and soothing, responding to all night, bedtimes, and struggle to take any time for myself away especially in evening or bedtimes when baby will cry for me and the boobs…” @fifimon (via Instagram)
Check out our Self-care guide to make sure you look after yourself as a breastfeeding mother.
Pictured: Niesha Walker pumping milk
When you’re breastfeeding round the clock, it can be very easy to feel touched out very quickly. You crave time alone and don’t want anyone to touch you. This can be really hard to deal with and can also make you feel extremely guilty, but those feelings are to be expected and are actually very normal. Communicate with your partner about how you feel so they can best support you when you are feeling this way.
“Sometimes you really hate the thought of being touched, but you still have to nurse!” Kiana Van Kempen (via Instagram)
“Being touched out before 7am” Lauren Phelan (via Instagram)
Here are some tips from The Breastfeeding Mentor about being touched out whilst breastfeeding.
Lauren Phelan breastfeeding at a wedding
During pregnancy your clothing choices are significantly reduced – and then if you breastfeed, that continues! It’s not until you begin breastfeeding for the first time that you realise how many of you existing clothes just aren’t feeding friendly. You end up living in the same top and bottoms and it drives you mad! However, with a bit of inspiration you can rework existing clothes in your wardrobe, and even invest in some good quality items that give you confidence to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.
“Having to adapt your wardrobe around feeding” @ruthiefoster (via Instagram)
“The clothes! I dreaded a nursing cover with my first, my second refused one and for my third that’s when I started my shop. Life saver!” @allthingsmamadesigns (via Instagram)
Here is a guide by Rebecca Woodland on what to wear whilst breastfeeding in public.
Joanna Nicholson feeding her toddler daughter
Many breastfeeding mothers will agree that stopping breastfeeding can be just as difficult (if not harder!) than starting breastfeeding! This is because breastfeeding is a two-way relationship with lots of love and emotion attached to it. For some people, breastfeeding may come to an abrupt end, and for others is may be a slow fade. Understandably, when the nursing relationship ends there can be many mixed emotions felt – by both parties.
“The not knowing when the right time is to stop – do they still want it or am I doing it for me?” @jinksocial (via Instagram)
“If you’ve been lucky enough to carry on feeding into toddlerhood, it’s actually really hard to wean!” Katie Lockett (via X)
“No one supporting you to wean your baby or toddler. Once you’re established at feeding you’re subjected to guilt and told to delay if you try and wean them. I see so many people jumped on when saying they’ve had enough for any number of reasons and breastfeeding peer supporters advocate carrying on and give reasons not to stop rather than practical help and support. I think while making sure there isn’t a fixable issue that’s would allow the feeding to continue is important, support is the most important factor in upping breastfeeding numbers and that should be allowing people to decide when stop as well as helping them to start.” Joanna Hampson (via boobingit members group on Facebook)
You can discover all our resources on Stopping Breastfeeding here.
Pictured: Lea Howard feeding toddler son
It seems that everyone wants to start breastfeeding but once baby reaches six months of age, the questions start coming in about ‘when are you going to stop?’. This can be really infuriating – especially when you’ve worked hard to continue breastfeeding and you want to keep providing your little one with all the nutritional benefits (and comfort!) that breast milk brings. It’s worth remembering that the World Health Organisation recommends continuing to breastfeed for up to two years of age.
“Society tells you “breast is best” but the moment your small starts solids you’re expected to begin saying no more human milk.” Lea Howard (via X)
“The isolation when feeding past 12 months.” Danielle Dewhurst (via boobingit members group on Facebook)
“Having little to no support from healthcare professional if feeding a child over one.” Laura Leonard (via boobingit members group on Facebook)
Breastfeeding past infancy is natural and normal, check out these resources to help support you.
Discover how Nourish can transform your workplace into a breastfeeding-friendly environment.
Become a contributor. Register today!
Whats this?
Earn points for engaging with our breastfeeding community and resources!
