Motherhood has been one wild, beautiful ride, full of love, exhaustion, joy, and endless learning. Early on in my breastfeeding journey, I thought all I needed was to focus 100% on my baby’s needs.

But honestly? I quickly learned that if I wasn’t taking care of myself first, I couldn’t truly show up for my little one.

I remember when my baby was 9 months old, I was diagnosed with anemia that led to hypotension. It was heartbreaking to think that at that time, my child wasn’t even walking yet, but more than struggling to produce enough breast milk for him, I hadn’t been giving my own body the nutrition and care it desperately needed.

I was neglecting myself. I still recall how dark my under-eyes were, and how postpartum rage became my constant companion. It was a tough season.

But Alhamdulillah, God allowed me to find a better path. Slowly but surely, I worked hard to rise above these challenges and find ways to afford extra help with caring for my child, so that I could finally have time to take care of myself too. I still have challenges, but not as bad as before. I have better health nowadays, Alhamdulillah.

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that being a good mom means constant giving, day and night, without pause. But over time, I realized that nourishing myself is not selfish. It’s necessary.

When I’m rested, fed, and emotionally supported, my breast milk supply feels more stable, and my patience and compassion grow stronger. It’s like the foundation for everything.

Here’s what helped me nourish myself in a way that felt real and doable, and how it quietly supported my breastfeeding journey without adding pressure:

Rest in Little Moments

I didn’t always get perfect sleep (who does?), but I learned to steal rest whenever I could.

Even just closing my eyes while nursing or sitting quietly for a few minutes made a difference. Those tiny pockets of rest helped recharge me so I could keep going without feeling completely drained.

Eating Simple, Nourishing Foods

Forget complicated diets. I found that everyday foods like oats, eggs, and sweet potatoes were my secret allies in supporting my milk supply and energy.

 
I also loved having Milkforbubs’ granola and lactation cookies on hand, they made snacking easy and guilt free, and felt like a little treat that was actually helping me nourish my body and my baby.

Hydrating Without Stress

I stopped obsessing over how much water I had to drink and just kept a bottle close by. Sipping throughout the day, sometimes herbal tea or warm broth, felt natural.

Staying hydrated this way quietly supported my breast milk supply and made me feel cared for.

Creating Quiet Moments Together 

Skin to skin time wasn’t just bonding; it was healing for both me and my baby.
Those close moments reminded me that breastfeeding is more than feeding; it’s connection, comfort, and love wrapped into one.

Setting Boundaries with Compassion

Saying “no” to unnecessary stress and “yes” to support was a game changer. Motherhood comes with a lot of advice (solicited or not), but trusting myself and protecting my mental space helped me stay calm and confident.

Celebrating the Small Wins

Every feeding that went well, every nap taken, every smile shared felt like a win. Reminding myself of these small victories made the hard days easier and gave me a sense of pride in my breastfeeding journey.

At the end of the day, I realized I didn’t have to be perfect. I just needed to be present, and that starts with nourishing myself. When I do that, I’m not just supporting my breast milk supply; I’m building a foundation of strength and love for both me and my child.

If you’re looking for simple ways to quietly support your breastfeeding journey, I highly recommend keeping easy, nourishing snacks like Milkforbubs’ granola and lactation cookies nearby. They made a real difference for me, without adding any extra pressure.

You’re doing enough. More than enough. And your journey is exactly as it should be.

- Fathi Aidiya