Breastfeeding Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — And That’s Okay

World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to 7) is more than just a global campaign. It’s a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and support the mothers who nurture, comfort, and connect with their babies through one of the most natural yet demanding acts of care, that is breastfeeding.

The truth is, breastfeeding doesn’t always look the same for every mom. It isn’t always easy, and it’s far from picture-perfect. Each journey is unique, and that’s completely okay. Whether you’re nursing, pumping, combo-feeding, or formula-feeding, what matters most is that you’re doing your best for your baby. However you're feeding, you’re doing an incredible job.

The Pressure to Breastfeed “Perfectly”

Many moms begin their breastfeeding journey with the hope or expectation of exclusively breastfeeding, but quickly find that the reality can be far more complex. The pressure to meet that ideal can feel overwhelming, especially when challenges arise early on.

Low milk supply, latching difficulties, nipple pain, clogged ducts, or infections like mastitis are common issues that can make breastfeeding physically and emotionally draining. For mothers with more than one child, the demands multiply and caring for older kids while managing the unpredictable rhythm of a newborn’s feeding schedule can feel nearly impossible.

Despite all of this, there's often a lingering sense of guilt when things don’t go “as planned.” But the truth is, these challenges don’t reflect a lack of effort or love. Instead, they reflect the very real demands of modern motherhood. There’s no such thing as a perfect breastfeeding journey, only the one that works best for you and your baby.

All Forms of Feeding Are Valid

Some mothers breastfeed directly and find a rhythm that works well for them. Others rely on pumping, whether out of necessity or choice, managing schedules, equipment, and milk storage with dedication. Many parents do a combination of breastfeeding, pumping, and formula-feeding to ensure their baby is well-fed while balancing the rest of life’s demands.

Each of these paths requires care, commitment, and love. None is more or less worthy than another. What truly matters is that your baby is nourished, growing, and cared for, and that you, as a parent, feel supported in the process.

Celebrate the Small Wins

Breastfeeding isn’t just about big milestones like reaching six months or exclusively nursing. It’s also about all the little victories along the way, the moments that might seem small but truly make a difference in a mom’s journey.

Maybe you made it through a long stretch of cluster feeding without giving up, even when exhaustion was overwhelming. Or perhaps you pumped for the first time at work, carving out time and space to provide for your baby while managing your career. Maybe you finally found a nursing bra that fits comfortably and makes all the difference in your daily routine.

These moments show resilience, adaptability, and self-care, and they deserve to be celebrated just as much as any big milestone. Celebrating these achievements encourages moms to be kinder to themselves and appreciate how far they’ve come, even on the toughest days.