Ending breastfeeding: how to deal with it emotionally

The path towards giving up breastfeeding can be an emotional rollercoaster for many.

Dr Maya Griffiths, a clinical psychologist from Queensland Health, offers five strategies to cope with the disappointment or guilt you may feel when feeding hasn’t gone to plan. 

Five strategies to help you cope when ending breastfeeding

Link in with other mums in a similar situation to avoid feeling alone. Sharing your experience and knowing that others are unable to or have chosen not to breastfeed can help ease any pain or guilt you might be feeling, and will help you find peace with your own situation. 

Seek support from family and friends — those who love you will always help you to feel valued and help you to maintain belief in yourself. 

Stay positive. Try to adopt a positive viewpoint, as struggling physically or mentally with your situation could have an impact on your baby. Knowing she is happy, healthy and developing well is proof that not all babies have to be breastfed. And count your blessings! Appreciate that you have been lucky enough to give birth to such a beautiful baby.
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Find other ways of bonding with or nurturing your bub. For example, cuddling bub while she is sleeping or having a nap together can be a very loving and rewarding experience.

Make feeding fun. Finally, remember that feeding can still be fun even if it’s from a bottle. Maintaining eye contact (if bub is awake and up for it) or whispering or talking to your little one while she is feeding can be powerful, as it is still a connection between just the two of you.