Why I Wish I Had Started Meditation Sooner: How It Could Have Helped My Breastfeeding Journey 🌸🤱

When I became a mother for the first time, I had this ideal image of breastfeeding. I pictured myself snuggling with my baby, calmly nursing, and feeling deeply connected. But the reality of breastfeeding was much more challenging than I anticipated. I struggled with latch issues, low milk supply, and constant stress. It was so overwhelming that I couldn’t keep up and, after just a couple of months, I had to stop breastfeeding.

I felt like a failure. I blamed myself for not being able to breastfeed my baby for longer, and every time I saw another mother breastfeeding her child with ease, I couldn’t help but feel that twinge of guilt. I tried everything—different positions, lactation consultants, supplements, you name it—but nothing seemed to work.

If there’s one thing I wish I could change about my breastfeeding experience, it’s this: I wish I had started meditation sooner.

As I reflect on my journey, I now understand how meditation could have helped me navigate those tough early months of motherhood, particularly with breastfeeding. If I had integrated meditation into my daily routine, it could have improved my milk supply, reduced my stress, and made the entire experience more successful.

The Struggles I Faced 🤦‍♀️

When I first began breastfeeding, I quickly realized that it wasn’t as easy as I had expected. My baby had difficulty latching, which caused painful nipple soreness. I was in a constant cycle of trying to nurse, then dealing with stress and exhaustion, and ultimately feeling defeated when my milk supply seemed insufficient.

I reached out to lactation consultants, but they only had so much advice to offer. No matter what I tried, it felt like I just wasn’t producing enough milk to keep up with my baby’s demand. Each time my baby cried from hunger, I couldn’t help but feel like I was failing her. The stress of trying to get breastfeeding "right" only made matters worse.

My milk supply was inconsistent, and in those early months, I didn’t know how to handle the emotional toll of it all. The anxiety and frustration of not knowing if I would have enough milk created an ongoing cycle of stress. This stress, as I now know, was one of the biggest factors working against me.

How Meditation Could Have Helped 🧘‍♀️

Meditation is a practice I only discovered much later in my motherhood journey. But now, as I look back, I realize how much it could have helped with my breastfeeding struggles.

1. Stress Reduction and Milk Supply 💖

One of the most significant benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. Stress can have a direct impact on milk supply, and I certainly felt it every time I was anxious or frustrated about breastfeeding. When I was stressed, my body was in a constant state of fight-or-flight mode, and my milk supply suffered as a result. I didn’t know then that stress reduces oxytocin levels, the hormone responsible for milk let-down.

If I had practiced meditation, I would have been able to calm my nervous system, relax, and create an environment more conducive to milk production. Meditation helps to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, which encourages relaxation and positive physical responses, including better milk flow.

2. Promoting a Relaxed, Calm Feeding Environment 🌸

When you're trying to breastfeed in a stressed state, it’s difficult for both mom and baby to feel relaxed. I remember trying to nurse my baby while feeling overwhelmed and anxious about whether I was producing enough milk. The stress in the air made it harder for my baby to latch and feed effectively.

If I had taken the time to meditate before or during breastfeeding sessions, I could have created a more peaceful atmosphere. By calming myself down and focusing on my breath, I would have been more present for my baby, helping her latch better and feed more efficiently.

3. Mind-Body Connection for Breastfeeding Success 🌷

Breastfeeding is a deeply emotional experience. It’s not just about the physical act of nursing—it’s about bonding and connecting with your baby. When I was stressed, I found it difficult to connect emotionally with my baby during nursing sessions. Meditation could have helped me stay more in tune with my body and my baby’s needs.

Practicing mindfulness meditation would have allowed me to be more attuned to my baby’s cues and made the whole experience much more enjoyable. I would have been able to embrace each moment instead of worrying about how much milk I was producing or whether the latch was right.

The Power of Meditation for Breastfeeding Moms 🤱✨

I’ve learned so much since those early days of motherhood, and meditation has played a huge role in helping me manage the challenges that come with being a mom. While I can’t go back and change my breastfeeding journey, I can share my experience to help other moms who may be struggling.

If you’re a new mom or expectant mom, I encourage you to try integrating meditation into your daily routine, especially if you're planning to breastfeed. Taking just 10 minutes a day to meditate—whether it’s in the morning, during nursing sessions, or before bed—could make a world of difference in your breastfeeding success.

Here’s how to get started:

• Find a quiet space: Create a calm space where you can sit comfortably and relax.
• Focus on your breath: Close your eyes and take deep, mindful breaths. Focus on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Visualize yourself as a calm and confident mother, capable of nurturing your baby and providing for her needs.
• Incorporate affirmations: Use affirmations like “I trust my body” or “I am producing enough milk for my baby” to calm your mind and reassure yourself.

Final Thoughts 💖

Looking back, I can’t help but wish I had started meditating while I was breastfeeding. It’s easy to see now how meditation could have helped me manage the stress, improve my milk supply, and foster a deeper connection with my baby during those early days. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize the impact it could have had at the time.

If I had taken just a few moments each day to meditate—whether before breastfeeding sessions or during moments of overwhelm—I truly believe it would have made my breastfeeding experience smoother and more successful. Meditation could have helped me stay calm, reduced my anxiety, and given me the emotional space I needed to nurture both myself and my baby.

To all the new moms reading this, don't wait like I did. If you’re breastfeeding, take the time to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Meditation doesn’t just help with relaxation—it can be a game-changer for your breastfeeding journey.

We’re offering a free library of guided meditations, including one specifically focused on breastfeeding and increasing milk supply. Join our community today to access these resources and support your breastfeeding journey. 💫