Becoming a new mom is both exciting and, at times, overwhelming. In the first weeks, your days will be filled with learning your new baby’s feeding cues, enjoying skin-to-skin contact, and preparing for the next feeding. It’s completely normal for stress to creep in occasionally—whether you’re worried about making enough breast milk or returning to work. Balancing your baby’s needs and your own recovery can feel like a lot at times.

Many new mothers wonder: does stress affect breastfeeding? Let’s explore what we know—and how you can care for yourself through it.

The Transition to Parenthood

The shift from pregnancy to parenthood brings big emotional and physical changes. Feeling sad, tearful, or overwhelmed in the first days or weeks after birth is common—these feelings are often linked to hormonal changes. If those emotions last longer or feel intense, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Support from compassionate professionals can make a real difference. Research shows that mothers who feel supported by their healthcare team tend to breastfeed longer and experience fewer symptoms of postpartum depression.

If caring for yourself feels hard, start small. Try one simple thing:

  • Take a relaxing bath or shower
  • Journal your thoughts and feelings
  • Step outside for a short walk
  • Enjoy a nourishing snack
  • Talk to your partner or a trusted friend

Even small acts of self-care can help your mind and body reset.

The Importance of Support

Support is one of the most powerful tools for lowering the impact of stress during the early postpartum period. Friends and family often want to help but may not know how—and sometimes, it’s hard to ask for what you need. It can help to think in “circles of comfort”:

  • Inner Circle: Who are you comfortable having close by while you’re recovering postpartum and learning to breastfeed? Who could quietly restock your bathroom or refill your water bottle?
  • Family Circle: Who can help with laundry, cooking, or holding the baby after a feeding while you nap?
  • Social Circle: Who can help from a distance—organizing a meal train, bringing groceries, or walking the dog?

Certified lactation consultants are also a key part of your support network. Beyond providing breastfeeding education and offering support with pumping, they are trained to assess maternal stress and mood changes. They can connect you with healthcare providers, breastfeeding support groups, and community resources when needed.

Take Care of Your Baby and Yourself

Postpartum recovery isn’t just about your physical body—it’s about your whole well-being. It’s easy to focus on your baby and forget about your own needs, but rest and recovery are essential to establishing an adequate milk supply and supporting emotional well-being.

Prioritizing self care—such as sleep, balanced meals, hydration, and gentle exercise—can make a difference in both your mood and your milk supply. Try to avoid unhelpful coping strategies like self-criticism, skipping meals, drinking alcohol, smoking or vaping, or withdrawing from loved ones. When your baby sleeps, take the opportunity to recharge in ways that truly restore you.

Try:

  • Sleeping when the baby sleeps, especially in the early weeks
  • Listening to music or a podcast
  • Spending time on a hobby you love
  • Reading a book
  • Using a relaxation or meditation app
  • Watching a favorite show or movie
  • Trying gentle yoga at home or in a studio

Does Stress Affect Breast Milk or Milk Supply?

Every parent experiences stress—and that’s okay. The hormone cortisol, which rises during stress, helps your body function properly by supporting your immune system, blood pressure, and blood sugar regulation. Research shows no long-term connection between breast milk cortisol levels and how much a baby cries or fusses. So while maternal stress can feel uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean your baby is being harmed by it.

However, chronic stress—stress that lasts for long periods—may affect breast milk production by interfering with the hormones that regulate it. Psychological distress can sometimes reduce the release of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for the milk ejection reflex ("letdown") during lactation. When milk ejection is delayed, breasts may not empty completely, which can signal the body to make less milk over time.

The good news is that breastfeeding itself helps counteract stress levels. When your baby breastfeeds, your body has a surge or release of oxytocin. This hormone helps your milk flow and induces feelings of calm and connection. This “feel-good” hormone lowers your stress response and supports ongoing milk supply. Relaxation techniques—like deep breathing or gentle massage—can further boost oxytocin release and help you have a more comfortable breastfeeding experience. Even if you’re feeling stressed, your breast milk will continue to provide everything your baby needs.

Returning to Work and Your Mental Health

Maternity leave can give you space to adjust to your “new normal,” but it can also come with feelings of isolation, stress, or anxiety. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and new responsibilities can make this transition both beautiful and challenging.

Returning to work brings another big transition—and planning ahead can make it smoother. Communicate your needs with your employer, prepare your pumping plan, and work with your lactation consultant to build a routine that fits your schedule and protects your breastfeeding journey.

Caring For Your Mental Health

Stress is a normal part of early motherhood, especially in the first few months of life. While chronic stress may temporarily affect milk ejection or breast milk production, your body is resilient. By recognizing your needs, building your support system, and giving yourself grace, you can protect your mental health while nurturing your baby.

Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to care for your baby.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.