Becoming a new parent can be incredible, amazing, beautiful… But sometimes, things just don’t go the way you had expected. Many people admit to stopping breastfeeding earlier than they had wished to, but research has shown that using mindful breastfeeding tools can increase the chances of achieving your breastfeeding goals. And here is why…
Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzz word in recent years – and for good reason! In simple terms, mindfulness is being attentive to the present moment – not worrying about the past or future, and not judging or labelling things as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but bringing awareness to your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surroundings as they present themselves. This allows people to reduce their negative thinking, improve their focus and increase their awareness, leading to a better ability to remain calm, centred and connected. The NHS promotes mindfulness practises to improve mental wellbeing, manage stress and help with long-term conditions. But what has this got to do with breastfeeding?
When used alongside breastfeeding, mindfulness can improve not only the feeding relationship but, most importantly, the physiological act of milk production and transference. In order for breastfeeding to happen, parents have to be in a state of relative calm which allows oxytocin (the ‘love’ hormone) to flow. When oxytocin is released the milk supply is boosted, leading to larger and longer feeds for baby which in turn reduces stress for the feeding parent.
Here are five key benefits of mindful breastfeeding
Natasha Hannah
1. Enhanced bonding between baby and the feeding parent
Mindful breastfeeding encourages parents to be fully present during feeding sessions. By being present in their body and in their surroundings, and encouraging deeper eye contact, skin-to-skin connection, and emotional co-regulation between parent and baby, the parent-child bond is strengthened, which in turn supports secure attachment development.
2.
Reduced stress and anxiety
It is easy as parents, especially in the early postpartum days, to become focused or fixated on worries about milk supply, wake windows, nappies, weight gain or loss etc rather than having focus and attention on the present moment. Actively engaging in mindful breastfeeding initiates the body’s relaxation response, lowering cortisol (stress) levels and promoting the release of oxytocin, which aids both milk production and emotional well-being.
Improved milk production and let-down response
Breastfeeding is a hormonal process as much as a physical one. When a parent is relaxed and mentally present, the body can more effectively trigger the hormonal cascades needed for milk production and transference. Stress and distraction can interfere with these natural processes, so actively engaging with mindfulness tools and techniques supports optimal breastfeeding function.
Better recognition of baby’s cues and your body’s signals
When babies are born, they have limited capacity to tell us what they need. We spend the first months learning what their cues are, particularly when it comes to feeding. Having mindful awareness helps you tune into subtle hunger and satiety cues from your baby, as well as sensations in your own body like fullness, let-down, or positioning needs. This leads to more responsive feeding relationship and greater comfort for both of you.
5. Personal restoration and self-care
Rather than viewing feeding sessions as tasks to rush through, mindful breastfeeding transforms them into opportunities for rest, reflection, and emotional replenishment. This can be particularly valuable during the demanding early months of parenthood when self-care moments are precious. By engaging with things that stimulate all your senses during a feed, you can find yourself in a state of deep relaxation. Having a mindful sense box to hand for this can be great – popping in a few treats like snacks or sweets, some essential oils, your favourite book, music or TV show in the background, or dim the lights and reduce external distractions, focusing on breathing or meditative thoughts.
Some mindful breastfeeding techniques to try
Breathing patterns are often taught in relation to hypnobirthing so if you learned any then utilising them again here can be very successful. However, just taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce and release tension – try breathing in and out to the count of 5.
As you settle yourself to feed, take a mental scan of your body from top to toe. Note how you feel, if there are any areas of tension, pain, discomfort. Try to breathe into those areas, to release any negative feelings, until your body feels fully rested and relaxed.
You can do this by utilising objects that speak to each of your senses to bring yourself calm and joy. Alternatively, you can focus on things you can see, hear, smell, as well as the feeling of the baby in your arms. Avoid thinking negative thoughts, just bring awareness.
repeated words or phrases that promote peace and empowerment within you. ‘My body is giving my baby everything it needs’, ‘I trust myself and my instincts’, ‘I am calm’.
Read or listen to a meditation to keep your focus on the present. There are meditations specifically for breastfeeding, or just use one that makes you feel happy, safe and comfortable.
written by natasha hannah
Breastfeeding Consultant &
Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner
