Honoring the Mind While Nourishing the Body: The Link Between Lactation and Maternal Mental Health
May is Maternal Mental Health Month—a time to shine light on the emotional well-being of mothers, birthing people, and caregivers who are often expected to carry so much with quiet strength. While we uplift this awareness every day at Sacred Roots, May offers us a collective pause to say: Your mental health matters. Your feelings are valid. You are not alone.
One of the lesser-discussed parts of the postpartum experience is the connection between lactation and mental health. Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, combo feeding, pumping —the act of nourishing your baby can take a physical, emotional, and hormonal toll. But it can also be a powerful source of bonding and healing when supported with compassion.
The Mental Load of Lactation
Breastfeeding is often pictured as serene and intuitive—but the truth is, it can be complex, exhausting, and emotionally layered. Here are just a few ways lactation and mental health intersect:
Hormonal shifts (like oxytocin and prolactin) can impact your mood, for better or worse
Breastfeeding challenges (pain, low supply, oversupply, latching issues) can trigger feelings of failure, shame, or anxiety
The pressure to “do it right” or meet expectations can weigh heavily
Night feedings and round-the-clock pumping contribute to sleep deprivation and burnout
For loss moms, rainbow baby journeys, or those navigating body image issues, lactation may reawaken deep emotional wounds
And yet, studies have also shown that supported breastfeeding can lower stress hormones, promote bonding, and help regulate mood. The key word? Supported.
Supporting Your Mental Health While Lactating
Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or in the weaning stage—your well-being is just as important as your baby’s nourishment. Here are some gentle reminders and tips to help care for your mental health during this season:
1. Let Go of Perfection
There is no one “right” way to feed your baby. Fed is best. Loved is better. Supported is best of all. Give yourself permission to pivot, pause, or supplement when needed.
2. Build a Lactation Support Team
Work with culturally aware lactation counselors, consultants or doulas who understand your journey and can help you navigate challenges without shame. You're not supposed to figure this out alone.
3. Create a Comfort Ritual
Set up a small corner with a soft blanket, snacks, water, affirmations, and calming music. Make feeding time a moment of restoration—not just output.
4. Name What You’re Feeling
Whether you’re weepy, numb, anxious, or overwhelmed—speak it aloud. Journal it. Text a friend. Your feelings deserve space.
5. Reclaim Moments for You
Even if it’s 10 minutes a day—practice yoga, deep breathing, prayer, or walking outside. This helps regulate your nervous system and gives your brain a reset.
6. Celebrate the Small Wins
Did you pump today? Nurse through a meltdown? Decide to take a break? That’s all worthy of celebration.
You Are Not Alone
Maternal Mental Health Month reminds us that caring for your baby starts with caring for yourself. Lactation is not just a physical act—it is an emotional labor of love. And like all things that require love, you need nourishment too.
If you’re struggling, overwhelmed, or need help, please reach out. We see you. We support you. And we have resources that will walk with you on this journey—not just through birth, but through becoming.