Feeding Your Baby: Why It’s About So Much More Than Food
- Ready Nest Counseling
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Feeding your baby seems like it should be simple, right? But if you’re like many new moms we meet at Ready Nest Counseling, you’ve already realized: feeding your baby can quickly become one of the most emotional, overwhelming parts of early motherhood.
And mama, you are not alone in that.
Whether you’re planning to breastfeed, bottle-feed, combo-feed, or figuring it out as you go, there are so many voices in your head—and in your social media feed—telling you what’s “best.” But the truth is, what’s best is what works for you and your baby.
Why Feeding Your Baby Is an Emotional Journey
So many women enter motherhood with ideas about what feeding their baby will look like—ideas shaped by personal values, medical advice, cultural norms, and the experiences of friends or family. Maybe you pictured cozy, quiet breastfeeding moments. Maybe you thought bottle-feeding would be easy-peasy. Maybe you never expected to feel so stressed or uncertain.
Here’s the thing: feeding your baby is deeply tied to your identity as a mom. It’s not just about nutrition—it’s also about nurturing. And when the feeding journey gets tough (as it often does), it can shake your confidence in ways you didn’t expect.
You might wonder:
Am I doing this right?
Why isn’t this coming naturally?
What will people think if I choose formula?
Is it okay to feel overwhelmed by this?
Yes, it is okay. In fact, it’s more than okay to feel all of this.
Breastfeeding Isn’t Always Natural (And That’s Okay)
We hear this one a lot: “I thought breastfeeding would just come naturally.”
But let’s be real—so many moms struggle. Latch issues, milk supply, tongue ties, reflux, pumping confusion (what is a flange, anyway?)—it can be a lot.
If you’ve ever felt like something must be wrong with you because it didn’t “just work,” please know that’s a myth. There’s nothing wrong with needing support. Lactation consultants, feeding therapists, and yes—therapists like us—can help you navigate the emotional toll that often comes with feeding challenges.
The Pressure to Get It Right
As if postpartum hormones weren’t enough, the pressure to “get it right” when feeding your baby is real. And sometimes that pressure comes from well-meaning relatives, social media influencers, or even your own expectations.
But feeding your baby isn’t a performance. It’s not a test of whether you’re a good mom.
What matters most is that your baby is fed and loved—and that you feel supported in your journey, no matter the path you take.
Start the Conversation Early
At Ready Nest, we actually encourage expecting moms to start talking about feeding before baby arrives. What are your hopes? What are your fears? What do you need to feel supported?
Starting that conversation early can ease the emotional load and give you tools to adapt with confidence when plans shift (because they often do!).
You’re Doing So Much—and Doing It So Well
If no one has told you today: you’re doing great. If you’re worried about what’s best for your baby, it means you already love them deeply. That love, that effort, that is enough.
Feeding is a journey, not a destination. And we’re here to walk beside you through all of it.
Need support on your feeding journey?
💛 Ready Nest Counseling offers individual therapy and couples support in both Nashville and Knoxville for new and expecting parents.
