Notes from the Nest: What is Mindful Breastfeeding and how could it work for you?
We are often led to believe that breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your baby – and it is really easy for people to misunderstand that this means that it should come naturally.
This is rarely the case: In the UK, 80-90% of nursing mothers report breastfeeding problems, and only 1% of women who start out nursing still nurse exculsively at 6 months. While breastfeeding your baby is one of the most intimate and natural connections between mother and baby, it takes practise, perseverance, and a lot of support.
For those families who achieve their feeding goals there is a sense of achievement, pride and joy in what their body and their baby can do, but for those who struggle physically, mentally or emotionally, there can be a sense of failure, anxiety and grief, with studies showing as many as 65% women reporting that their breastfeeding struggles had a negative impact on their mental health.
Enter Mindful Breastfeeding – a practice that offers simple tools to support families not only in the practical act of breastfeeding but also provides holistic support, promotes emotional well-being and creates a space for a more fulfilling, joyful and less stressful breastfeeding experience.
Research has shown that mindfulness practices can significantly reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with milk production and the let-down reflex. When mothers practice mindfulness during breastfeeding, they often experience increased oxytocin – also known as the ‘love hormone’, that not only helps with milk ejection but also promotes bonding and feelings of calm and contentment.
Studies have also found that mindful practices can help reduce symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety, common challenges that many new mothers face. The act of being present and focusing on positive sensations can help interrupt cycles of negative thinking and worry.
What are the benefits for both the mother and the baby?
For mothers:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Enhanced milk production
Better sleep quality
Increased self-compassion
Deeper maternal satisfaction
For baby:
Improved feeding efficiency
Better sleep patterns
Enhanced emotional regulation/co-regulation
Stronger attachment bonds
My own experiences of breastfeeding were confronting, lonely and littered with struggles. I had always wanted to breastfeed ‘if I was able to’ as for me it seemed like the obvious choice – less worrying about constantly having to sterilise things, less paraphernalia to lug around, less financial commitment etc. I had been around a few friends who breastfed their children and it looked like they took to it so naturally and seemed so easy that I felt encouraged that I could do it too.
But very quickly I learned why so many people who try to breastfeed in the early days found it overwhelming, exhausting and come to a decision to stop. Having a baby at the tail end of the first COVID lockdown meant there was little to no support readily available to us either antenatally or postpartum. I dealt with nipple damage, forceful let-down, engorgement, blocked ducts, nursing strikes, feeding through teething, nip-lash, a switch to exclusive pumping and in the end a premature end to breastfeeding before I was ready. I cried because I wanted it to work, and I carried huge grief when it came to a sudden halt.
Between having my children I decided I wanted to use my experience and newfound knowledge to support other families in the areas in which I had found huge gaps. I found the Mindful Breastfeeding School and began their training, as well as Peer Support training with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, Healthy Babies UK and then a paid position in a local Infant Feeding Peer Support charity. I have experienced challenges and complications with feeding both of my own children first hand, as well as being a part of countless families stories over the last few years, and so I am only too aware of how vital it is to recieve support that is authentic, that meets you where you are, and where you feel safe, heard and valued.
If you are interested in learning more about my services and groups in antenatal breastfeeding education, postpartum support or arranging a breastfeeding debrief then you can contact me to arrange a consultation via:
email – natashahannahbreastfeeding@gmail.com;
my website – http://natashahannahbreastfeeding.com;
Facebook –http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575997494169;
Or Instagram – http://@natashahannahbreastfeeding