Breastfeeding Through Grief

Breastfeeding through grief can be a challenge for many women, especially while trying to breastfeed through the process.

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. Often, the pain of a loss can feel overwhelming and sickening. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock to anger, guilt, and even intense sadness. The pain of grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, think straight, or even care for another person. Let’s not even mention breastfeed. I want you to know that these emotions and feelings are normal and you should never feel guilty for how you feel. Allow yourself to go through the process. Don’t let anyone tell you how this process should look for you. Healing and acceptance take time.

Here are 5 tips that can possibly help you cope with your grief while continuing to breastfeed:

1. Acknowledge your pain. Be present. Allow yourself to cry if you need to.

2. Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions and that this is OK!

3. Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you.

4. Talk to people who care about you and who you trust.

5. Be mindful of SELF -CARE. Eat, stay hydrated, get fresh air, and rest.

I think it’s important to note that the grieving process is absolutely normal. The following are all perfectly normal grief responses.

• Intense pain

• Sadness

• Excessive worry

• Resentment

• Mood swings

• Guilt

• Fear

• Disbelief

• Anger

• Lack of focus

• Crying

• Irritability

• Change in appetite

• Lack of energy

• Difficulty sleeping

• Difficulty concentrating

• Wanting to be alone

If during the grieving process you feel like breastfeeding isn’t working for you, that’s OK. Consider taking a step back. You may need time to grieve and process things without dealing with the demands of breastfeeding. Mama, and please seek professional help if things seem like there to much to bare. We all handle things differently. If you need help you don’t have to fight the battle alone. Get the support you deserve. This does not make you weak, it makes you human.

Sending virtual hugs to the reader. xoxo