25/04/2025
people love to say “breastfeeding is free”
like it doesn’t cost anything
but that’s a lie
it costs your time
your sleep
your energy
your body
your comfort
your mental health
your freedom
and they don’t talk about how personal it is
it’s not just the latch
not just the pain
not just the leaks, clogs, and letdowns
i’m talking about the emotional part
the way your body becomes someone else’s whole world
their comfort, their food, their safety net
there is nothing “free” about giving your body around the clock, every single day, while you recover, while you parent, while you try to stay afloat
you’ll feel judged if you breastfeed too long
judged if you stop too soon
judged if you can’t produce enough
judged if you nurse in public
judged if you use formula
it’s never enough for everyone else
and somehow you’re still here
feeding your baby in the middle of the night
hooked up to a pump
soothing them with your body even when you’re touched out
wondering if you’re doing it “right” when there is no rulebook
and if you stopped
or never started
you’re still enough
you’re still a good mom
you’re still showing up
breastfeeding isn’t free
it’s one of the most selfless things you’ll ever do
and every drop you give is a sacrifice
so if nobody told you today
you’re amazing
you’re doing something sacred
and you deserve more than pressure and judgment,
you deserve support and understanding.
