07/08/2025
This week marks World Breastfeeding Week, so i wanted to re-share my own personal journey with feeding.
At 19, I became a mum to a premature baby in the NICU.�There was no golden hour, no oxytocin fuelled feeding sessions,�Just pumping, around the clock, 6–8 times a day.�Middle of the night, Alone, and I was in full-blown survival mode.
I knew breastmilk gave my baby the best shot, but no one told me how intense it would feel both mentally, physically and hormonally.�
And now, years later, as a neurodivergent mother, naturopath, and soon-to-be mum of three, I finally understand why so many women (especially ND women) find breastfeeding so overwhelming.
Next week, I’ll be speaking at the neurodivergent wellbeing conference about this experience and more. Because we not talking enough about the dopamine, oxytocin, prolactin axis, and how:�
🔸 Low dopamine can make it hard to feel that bond
🔸 Sensory overload, latching, executive dysfunction, and DMER are more common in ND mums
🔸 Many push to breaking point before switching to formula or combination feeding, feeling guilt-ridden, but desperate for relief.�
Breastfeeding support from the beginning needs to start being compassionate, flexible, and neuro-affirming.�
Because not all women feel safe enough to ask for help until it’s too late.
💜 If you’re in the thick of it, NICU pumping, cluster feeding, combo feeding, formula feeding, or letting go of breastfeeding altogether
- I see you.
💜 If you’re silently carrying shame or grief because it didn’t work out the way you hoped
- I’ve been there too.
Breastfeeding is just one part of the story and your mental health and nervous system matter just as much.
Let’s normalise:�
→ Having needs�
→ Asking for help�
→ Switching to what works for you
And let’s build a culture where all feeding journeys are valid, especially the ones that didn’t go to plan.
Sharing this in case someone out there needs to hear it today 💜
