Breastfeeding and Mental Health: Finding Balance in the Postpartum Season | Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast Ep. 70
- jaimiezaki
- Nov 14, 2025
- 3 min read
Is breastfeeding bad for your mental health?
Welcome back to the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast! I’m Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC, LPN, and mama of five, helping mothers prepare for and overcome breastfeeding challenges without being controlled by fear or anxiety.
Today we’re answering a common question: Is breastfeeding bad for your mental health? Short answer: No. It's a huge misconception that you have to choose between breastfeeding and mental health. Let’s set the record straight—
This blog post is a generalized summary of the above podcast episode. For the best understanding of nuance around breastfeeding & postpartum mental health challenges, be sure to listen to Jaimie & Vanessa discuss personal and professional experiences regarding breastfeeding, postpartum depression, breastfeeding grief and more.
Postpartum Depression and Breastfeeding: It’s Not Your Fault
Too many new mothers are told, “If breastfeeding is hard, just stop—your mental health matters more.”That statement sounds caring, but it overlooks something deeper.
As my guest, Vanessa—a counseling student, lactation counselor and Christian mom of two—shared, the problem isn’t just biological or emotional; it’s cultural. Our society tells moms to “bounce back” instead of slow down and heal. We glorify independence over community, and we silence intuition with fear-based advice.
When mothers feel unsupported, the result is exhaustion, guilt, and a sense that they’re somehow “failing.” But you’re not failing—you’re being failed by the system.
Validating Your Feelings Is Just the Beginning
Validation matters. You deserve to be heard when you say you’re struggling.But as Vanessa beautifully said, validation isn’t the end goal—it’s the first step.
Once you’ve been seen and heard, the healing begins when you ask: “What can I do to take my power back?”
That next step might be:
Working with a lactation consultant to fix latch pain or supply issues
Partnering with a therapist who respects your faith and values
Checking for physical causes of emotional distress (like anemia, thyroid imbalance, or low B vitamins)
You can be both vulnerable and proactive.
The Hidden Link Between Breastfeeding and Postpartum Anxiety
So many mothers experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression while breastfeeding are told it’s “just hormones.”
Yes—hormones play a role. But often, deeper issues contribute:
Sleep deprivation
Nutrient deficiencies (iron, magnesium, omega-3s, B vitamins)
Unrealistic expectations fueled by social media
Lack of hands-on support in the early weeks
When these go unaddressed, emotional burnout follows. Healing your mind means healing your body, too.
Faith, Connection, and Emotional Healing After Birth
Motherhood often reopens old wounds—past traumas, strained relationships, or self-doubt about our worthiness as women. That’s why community and faith are essential.
We don’t need another Instagram affirmation. We need other women willing to sit beside us, hold our hands, and whisper, “You’re not alone.”
This kind of support isn’t “optional.” It’s how we rebuild confidence—together.
My #1 Tip for Protecting Both Breastfeeding and Mental Health
If I could give every mom one piece of advice, it would be this:Don’t try to do it alone.
Intentional community—whether that’s your church family, a counselor, or a compassionate lactation consultant—can make all the difference.
You don’t have to choose between nourishing your baby and nurturing yourself. You can do both. In fact, you were designed to.
Prepare for Breastfeeding Without Overwhelm
Join me inside the Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy to learn how to prevent unnecessary formula, navigate latching struggles, and understand milk supply stress -- without losing your mind. Looking for 1:1 Breastfeeding Help? Book a virtual lactation consult now.
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, and is the host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms, helping them overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues. She empowers mothers to make informed decisions from a place of confidence and intuition.
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