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Our research tells us that many mothers experience negative emotions if their experience of breastfeeding has not been as they planned or hoped. Having a baby can be an overwhelming and emotional time for anyone, and feeding difficulties can sometimes feel insurmountable.
If you are feeling upset about your breastfeeding experience it might help to speak to someone about it. The National Breastfeeding Helpline, the La Leche League and the NCT offer free, non-judgemental telephone services, all provided by volunteer mothers in their own home who are carefully trained to take those sorts of calls and provide the right information and support to upset or confused new mothers.
If you have decided to introduce formula milk and / or stop breastfeeding earlier than intended then these tips might help to ease the transition:
If you are feeling low for more than a few days, or you are feeling very worried or finding it difficult to enjoy your baby, then please try to speak to someone about how you are feeling. Postnatal depression affects lots of new parents. It is not a sign of weakness, but a response to sleep disruption, hormonal changes, and a huge change in lifestyle. Most importantly, it can be treated and you can feel better. Your GP, midwife, or health visitor are all available for you to speak to if you think this may be affecting you.
