Hypnotherapist Marcus Matthews talks about his experience as a father and the support he can give during this sensitive time.

 

"As a husband, I remember vividly the pressure put on my wife to breastfeed and she is not alone with the societal expectations imposed on mothers and babies. I have worked with many, many clients whose mental fitness was first impacted as small babies, as well as mothers whose confidence was smashed by family and social expectations.

 

But you can gain back control because those feelings were not born with the birth of your child but way before.

 

Motherhood is a journey unlike any other, where a woman's heart expands with love and responsibility. The decision to breastfeed is deeply personal and rooted in the belief in giving the best start to our precious babies. However, while breastfeeding undoubtedly has numerous benefits, society's undue emphasis on this choice can inadvertently create an environment of shame, guilt, and judgment for mothers who opt not to breastfeed. In this blog, we will explore the impact society has on mothers and babies who choose not to breastfeed, emphasising the importance of support and understanding, and how embracing choice and having confidence in one's instincts can profoundly impact both maternal and infant mental health.

 

Breastfeeding has been celebrated for its natural ability to provide essential nutrients and antibodies to babies, promoting their physical and cognitive development. It creates a unique bond between mother and child, fostering emotional connections that lay the foundation for a lifetime of trust and security. The benefits of breastfeeding are undeniable, and it is vital to promote its advantages while maintaining an open mind towards other equally valid choices.

 

Unfortunately, the societal pressure surrounding breastfeeding can lead to an unwarranted sense of shame and guilt for mothers who opt for alternative feeding methods. The guilt-driven stigma often isolates and negatively impacts mothers' mental health, making it harder for them to embrace their motherhood journey with confidence and joy. It is essential to recognise that every mother's circumstances are different, and what matters most is the overall wellbeing of both the mother and her baby.

 

Motherhood comes with its set of challenges, and the pressure to breastfeed can exacerbate these difficulties. Studies have shown that mental health issues such as postpartum depression and anxiety can be intensified when mothers feel judged or unsupported in their feeding decisions. Creating a supportive environment that respects individual choices allows mothers to focus on their mental wellbeing, fostering a positive impact on their ability to care for and bond with their babies.

 

Every mother knows her baby best. Making choices with confidence and trust in their instincts is paramount for nurturing a positive mother-child relationship. When a society embraces the diversity of motherhood and respects different feeding choices, it creates an environment where mothers can make informed decisions, free from judgment, and guided by what is truly best for their unique circumstances.

 

Society has a significant influence on the experiences of mothers and their babies. By promoting open discussions on the subject of breastfeeding and acknowledging the validity of different feeding choices, we can collectively build an inclusive community that supports mothers in their unique journeys. Raising awareness about the potential harm of shaming or pressuring mothers to breastfeed enables us to create a nurturing space for all mothers to flourish.

 

Breastfeeding is undoubtedly a beautiful and natural choice for many mothers and their babies. However, it is crucial to understand that promoting breastfeeding should never be at the expense of shaming or judging mothers who choose differently. Supporting mums in their decisions, whether it be breastfeeding or alternative feeding methods, ensures that both mothers and babies feel safe, loved, and empowered. Let us foster an environment where confidence and trust in maternal instincts are celebrated, enabling every mother to embrace her journey with grace and strength. Together, we can shape a society that uplifts, cherishes, and nurtures the beautiful spirit of motherhood.

 

 

If you want to take back control of you life or know someone who wants to find the root cause to any shame, guilt or judgement and how to use that pain and turn it into fuel to transform your life then find out more at https://makeyourlifecount.co.uk/change-starts-today where you can listen to my interview with fashion brand owner, Victoria McKenna speaks openly about how post-natal anxiety and depression was really impacting her life and how she broke free in just one session with me."

 

You can contact Marcus through his profile if you have any questions or would like to learn more about how he can support you https://centreforintegralhealth.com/about-us/our-practitioners/marcus-matthews/