Like many mothers, I struggled with breastfeeding. Now we know we’re not ‘failures’ | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

The article discusses how struggles with breastfeeding can negatively impact maternal mental health, as highlighted by a recent qualitative study involving over 2000 mothers. It reveals that feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and fear of failing one's baby are common experiences, despite many women finding breastfeeding challenging yet motivated. The study also critiques the cultural emphasis on breastfeeding being linked to ideal motherhood, which adds undue pressure for women. Additionally, it notes that the UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world due to insufficient support services and this societal conditioning.