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Breastfeeding affirmations are essential for a new mom. It is helpful to ground yourself, especially when anxious thoughts can take over. Postpartum is such a vulnerable time that it’s essential to have positive thoughts to fall back on and remind yourself that everything will be okay.
Breastfeeding is one of the most challenging but rewarding things I have ever done. Combined, I am approaching three years of breastfeeding my children. It is an amazing feat but has not come without its challenges. Using breastfeeding affirmations helped center me and bring me back to my purpose: feeding my baby.
Breastfeeding Affirmations
I Have a Backup Plan
Whether you have a freezer stash from pumping, access to donor milk, or formula, there is an alternative for you to feed your baby.
I Am Enough
Please never forget that you and your breastmilk are more than enough for your baby, even when you sometimes doubt yourself.
I Am Nourishing My Baby By Nourishing My Body
Sometimes breastfeeding can cause a loss in appetite but reminding yourself to nourish your body with things that taste good and make you feel good is essential. You are not only giving your body the nourishment it needs, but you’re also nourishing your baby.
I Can Do Hard Things
Breastfeeding can sometimes be challenging but know that you can do hard things. After all, you gave birth!
This Too Shall Pass
You can breastfeed your baby for one day, month, year, or longer, but it can feel like an eternity, especially if you have challenges. Breastfeeding does not last a lifetime, and it will end.
I Trust My Baby
When you are nursing, believing that your baby is getting enough milk can be tough. However, you must trust their cues, wet diapers, and weight gain, and know that your baby is getting what they need from you unless their cues indicate otherwise.
I Will Ask for Help When I Need It
It is hard to know what you don’t know. When breastfeeding as a first-time mom, I was unaware of the resources available to me. There are lactation consultants, classes, and online support groups and resources for breastfeeding, and almost any mom would be happy to help you along your journey.
I Will Allow My Partner to Support Me
Breastfeeding is a full-time job. Let your partner support you during your breastfeeding journey by bringing you snacks and water. Let them change diapers. Find a system that works for you. Postpartum anxiety can make it difficult to let things go, but do your best to let them share in the tasks even though they are not directly feeding the baby.
I Am Not Doing This Alone
Breastfeeding can be so isolating—the middle-of-the-night feedings and feeling like you are the only woman in the world doing this. Even though you may feel alone, millions of women worldwide are doing the same thing you’re doing at the exact moment.
I Will Lean on My Community
Find your tribe and never let them go. I found a great Facebook group about breastfeeding. While I don’t use the group as much for support anymore, I find myself often giving advice because I have been through many challenging scenarios with nursing and pumping.
I Can Stop Any Time
Reminding yourself that you can stop breastfeeding anytime can help take the pressure off. You are in control of your own body, and if it does not feel right for you or your baby at any point, you have permission to stop.
It Will Get Easier
Remind yourself on the most challenging days that it can and will get easier. As your baby gets older, nursing and pumping can become second nature.
Professional Guidelines are Simply Guidelines
The latest American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation to breastfeed your child for two years may pressure some moms. However, the intent is to provide women breastfeeding beyond a year with more support. You have to do what feels right for you and your baby.1
I Will Allow Myself to Feel Every Emotion
Breastfeeding is an emotional rollercoaster unique to itself. It is okay to feel sad, scared, angry, excited, nervous, happy, and every other emotion. Those emotions are normal and valid.
My Love for My Baby is Not Measured in Ounces
Whether you have an oversupply or low supply of milk, every drop of breastmilk you give to your baby counts and is worth it. However short or long you breastfeed your baby, your love for your child is not measured by your breastmilk or the length of your breastfeeding journey. What you are able to do and give to your little one is more than enough.
My Body is Amazing
Your body grew a human, delivered that human with significant trauma on your body, and now it is feeding a human! Honor and respect your body for all that it has done. Don’t ever forget how amazing a woman’s body is.
It is Okay to Have Bad Days
Not every day will be a good one. Some days your baby might be fussy at the breast, acting unsatisfied, cluster feeding, or something else that may make you feel inadequate. It’s okay to have bad days and to feel those emotions. Just know that the next day might be a little (or a lot!) better.
My Baby and I are Figuring This Out Together
Every baby is different. This is a new experience for your child and a new experience for you with this child. Things take time, and you both are figuring it out together. Take a breath. You’re doing great.
I Will Use the Tools I Have at My Disposal
Technology has come so far since our mothers and their mothers were breastfeeding. We also know much more than we did in generations past. Don’t forget to use the tools you have access to — whether it’s a lactation massager for a clog or a Facebook support group when you have a question in the middle of the night. We have a helpful list of the best breastfeeding essentials that can help!
My Milk Contains Exactly What My Baby Needs
On the days you’re struggling with breastfeeding, and you experience breastfeeding discomforts, remind yourself that your breastmilk is liquid gold and gives your baby exactly what they need. Your body is incredible and what you’re doing for your baby is pretty miraculous.
Using affirmations in your daily life, in challenging situations, and while breastfeeding or caring for your newborn can be powerful and help you get through challenging moments. Remember that breastfeeding isn’t forever, and you are stronger than those tough moments.
