Feeding with Confidence: What to Expect (and What You’re Not
Told)
Feeding your baby can be one of the most beautiful, bonding parts of early parenthood, and also one of the hardest.
Whether you’re preparing for your first latch, planning to pump, or mixing formula at 3am while Googling “how much should a newborn eat,” there’s a good chance you’ve felt overwhelmed, underprepared, or just plain exhausted.
We’ve heard it all, the pressure to get it right, the fear of doing it wrong, the moments when you wonder why something so “natural” can feel so hard. We also know that every feeding journey is different. And it’s okay if yours doesn’t look like what you expected.
This blog is here to walk with you through the real feeding journey, because the truth is, so much of it is learned on the job, and sometimes, the things no one tells you matter just as much as the things they do. Let’s start there.
Feeding Is a Learned Skill, Not a Test of Your Parenting
The idea that feeding should come naturally is one of the most misleading and frustrating myths new parents face. The truth? It’s a skill—for both you and your baby. And like all skills, it takes time to learn.
Even when it is going well, feeding can be all-consuming. You’re learning hunger cues, managing supply, tracking feeds, navigating night-waking, and trying to stay afloat in the fog of early postpartum life.
And when it’s not going well? Latching pain, low milk supply, bottle refusal, oversupply, tongue ties, or just a feeding experience that seems “off” can all become overwhelming.
But none of that means you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re human. It means you care. And it means you may need more support.
The Emotional Weight of Feeding
Feeding your baby isn’t just a physical act, it’s layered with identity, emotion, and often, a heavy mental load. From the outside, it might look simple: baby’s hungry, you feed them. But on the inside? It can be complicated.
Feeding can stir up questions about whether you’re doing it “right,” if your body is working “the way it should,” or if your baby is getting “enough.” It can resurface old wounds about control, body image, or not feeling good enough. It can impact your sense of confidence as a new parent, even when you're giving it everything you've got.
Maybe you had a plan to breastfeed but found it painful, frustrating, or unsustainable. Maybe you turned to formula and felt instant relief, followed by waves of guilt. Maybe you’re stuck in a cycle of pumping, tracking, and troubleshooting with no end in sight. Maybe you’re just trying to make it through the next feed without crying.
And through it all, you’re still expected to function, to bond, to “enjoy every moment.”
Feeding is never just about milk. It’s about your relationship with your baby, your body, and yourself. And when that relationship feels strained or unclear, it can affect everything, from your mental health to your sense of
self.
That’s why we’re here, not just to help with latch technique or bottle options, but to support the emotional weight you’re carrying.
Finding Your Way, With Support
Maybe feeding is going smoothly and you just need reassurance. Maybe it’s been a daily battle, and you’re wondering how much longer you can keep going. Maybe you’re somewhere in between, doing your best and second-guessing yourself at every turn.
Wherever you are in your journey, our lactation counsellor offers practical, compassionate guidance that’s tailored to your body, your baby, and your goals, free of pressure or judgement.
And because feeding challenges are rarely just about feeding, our collaborative team, including naturopathic doctors, pelvic floor physiotherapists, psychotherapists, and other care providers, help to support the full picture.
Sometimes it’s about latch or supply. But most of the time, it’s about healing, mental health, identity shifts, and more. And we hold space for all of it.
At Crescent Health Collective, we’re here for the questions, the tears, the pivots, and the wins. And to remind you: you’re doing better than you think.
If you’re struggling with feeding or just want someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Click here book an appointment with our lactation counsellor or reach out to our team anytime with questions, we’re always happy to help.