Breastfeeding is often portrayed as the ultimate bonding experience between parent and baby—natural, beautiful, and beneficial. And while it can be all of those things, it can also be stressful, painful, emotionally triggering, and, for some parents, unattainable.

At Pasadena Perinatal Therapy, we hold space for every parent’s unique feeding journey. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, combo feeding, pumping around the clock, or formula feeding from day one, your mental health matters.

The Ideal vs. the Reality

New parents are bombarded with messages about “breast is best,” which can create an internal pressure to perform a certain way. But many families run into challenges, including:

• Low milk supply
• Tongue tie or latch issues
• Birth trauma that interferes with early feeding
• Postpartum mental health conditions
• Return-to-work constraints
• A history of sexual trauma makes breastfeeding triggering

When expectations and reality don’t match, guilt and shame can take hold.

The Link Between Feeding Challenges and Mental Health

Feeding difficulties are a common trigger for postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. The pressure to succeed in breastfeeding, coupled with sleep deprivation and hormonal fluctuations, can create the perfect storm for emotional distress.

In fact, studies show that difficulties with breastfeeding are associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression, especially when parents feel unsupported or judged.

Reframing the Narrative

Feeding your baby is about more than just nutrition—it’s about nurturing yourself and your child in the way that works best for your family. Our role as perinatal therapists is to help you:

• Release guilt and unrealistic expectations
• Heal from traumatic or disappointing feeding experiences
• Understand the emotional and physical toll of early parenthood
• Make empowered choices that reflect your needs, not societal pressure

We believe feeding should support your mental health, not compromise it.

Support for All Parents

Whether you’re grieving a feeding experience you didn’t expect or just need a space to talk about the pressure you’re feeling, our team is here to support you. Through perinatal therapy in Pasadena and postpartum therapy in Pasadena, we offer support that is validating, non-judgmental, and inclusive.

At Pasadena Perinatal, we’re committed to lifting the shame around infant feeding choices and offering support where it’s needed most—with compassion, not comparison.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Reach out today and let us support your journey, wherever it leads.