Breastfeeding: Embracing the Hump and Nurturing a Positive Feeding Relationship

Image: Mother & baby building their relationship during breastfeeding Credit: Photo by Ana Curcan on Unsplash

Hey there, fellow parents and soon-to-be-parents! Let's talk about breastfeeding—because honestly, it's a journey, and like any journey, it has its ups, its downs, and its quirky moments that make you go, "You have to got to be kidding me right now!"

Breastfeeding is Awesome, but...

Let's get real. Breastfeeding is amazing—it's this incredible bond between you and your baby, but it's not always a walk in the park. In fact, for many of us, it's more like stumbling through a muddy field hoping to find a hidden treasure. Yeah, that kind of journey.

The Hump and Beyond

Here’s the deal: There's usually a hump in the first few weeks. You're both learning this whole new dance of latching, feeding schedules, and trying to decipher baby cues. It can be rough. But hey, if by four to six weeks things aren’t clicking, it's okay to reassess. The ultimate goal here is to develop a positive feeding relationship—for both of you. Because feeding time should ideally be about love and connection, not stress and tears (yours or baby's!).

Setting Your Feeding Goals

Now, about those feeding goals—everyone's got 'em, whether they're set in stone or written in invisible ink. Some folks aim for six months of exclusive breastfeeding, some just want to go with the flow (pun intended) as long as it feels right. And hey, if formula's your jam from the get-go, that's cool too. The important thing is finding what works best for you and your baby.

My Job? Support, Support, Support

As someone who's been through it and helps others navigate it, my mission is simple: support your goals. Whether it's breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a mix of both (because life's all about balance, right?), I'm here to cheer you on. Because guess what? A positive feeding relationship—it’s the gold at the end of this messy, beautiful rainbow.

The Mental Health Piece

Oh, and one more thing—let's talk mental health. Sometimes, the challenges of breastfeeding or feeding in general can really really weigh on you. And if you're already struggling, it's okay to prioritize your well-being. Your mental health matters—a lot. So, no guilt tripping yourself about how you feed your baby, alright?

In Conclusion

So, whether you're in the breastfeeding trenches right now, just starting to plan, or figuring out what works best for your family, remember this: feeding is about nourishment, yes, but it's also about love, connection, and building that beautiful bond with your little one. And hey, if you ever need a pep talk or some practical advice (or even just a virtual fist bump), I'm here for you.

Here’s to happy, positive feeding moments—because that’s what it’s all about. Cheers to you, fellow feeding warriors!

Looking for more support? Dr. Anna Breuer is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in the field of parent and infant mental health. She provides both ongoing individual psychotherapy, parent/infant therapy sessions, parent/child therapy sessions, and group psychotherapy, and would love to speak to you further about your needs in a free consultation call. Please reach out today at (504)226-5403 or schedule a consult call online: www.drannabreuer.com