By Hilary Metcalfe
Breastfeeding is often spoken about in practical terms—latch techniques, milk supply, feeding schedules—but what’s rarely talked about is just how deeply emotional the experience can be.
I knew breastfeeding would be a commitment. I knew it might be hard at times. But I wasn’t prepared for the sheer emotional weight of it—the highs, the lows, the unexpected tears, the overwhelming love, the quiet moments of doubt.
There were nights when I felt like I was the only person awake in the world. Sitting in the dim glow of the nursery, rocking my baby, wondering if I was doing enough, producing enough, being enough. There were days when I felt touched out, exhausted, desperate for just a little bit of space. And then there were moments of pure, undiluted connection—when I’d look down at my baby and feel a love so overwhelming it stole my breath.
Breastfeeding isn’t just a physical act. It’s a journey of self-doubt and self-trust, of patience and perseverance, of immense giving and deep transformation.
And through it all, the thing that made the biggest difference? Feeling supported. Seen. Encouraged.
That’s why, at The SABI, Anna and I didn’t just create products that nourish the body—we created products that hold space for the emotional side of this journey, too. Because sometimes, the greatest gift you can give a breastfeeding mum isn’t just something to help her body—it’s something to help her feel less alone.
Why Does Breastfeeding Feel So Emotionally Intense?
💡 Breastfeeding triggers a surge of oxytocin (the bonding hormone), which can cause deep emotional highs—but also moments of intense vulnerability.
💡 Prolactin, the milk-producing hormone, also has a sedative effect—sometimes making mums feel peaceful, and other times making them feel emotionally drained.
💡 Postpartum estrogen levels remain low, which can affect serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmitter) and lead to mood swings or heightened sensitivity.
💡 Many mums experience “letdown anxiety,” a brief wave of emotional overwhelm triggered by the milk ejection reflex.
All of this means that breastfeeding isn’t just physically demanding—it’s a hormonal and emotional rollercoaster.
And while practical tools like nipple balms and nursing bras are helpful, what many mums really need is something that speaks to their heart, their emotions, their need to feel encouraged and understood.
A Ritual of Comfort: The Power of a Warm Cup in Your Hands
There’s something about holding a warm drink that instantly creates a sense of comfort, grounding, and reassurance.
In those early months, when emotions felt raw and my body felt depleted, I found so much comfort in the ritual of making a tea just for me—a small moment of stillness in the midst of endless giving.
That’s why we developed The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata—not just as a lactation tea, but as a moment of nourishment and emotional support for mums who give so much of themselves.
It’s filled with:
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Oat straw & holy basil, which support the nervous system and promote emotional balance.
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Fennel & cinnamon, which warm the body and bring a sense of grounding.
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Moringa, rich in iron and calcium, to replenish the body’s energy reserves.
Alongside this, I always recommend The SABI Calming Herbata—a gentle, stress-reducing infusion with lemon balm and chamomile, designed to ease tension and bring a sense of peace, even in the most chaotic moments.
This is more than just hydration—it’s a ritual of self-care, a reminder that mums deserve to be nourished, too.
Words That Heal: Books That Offer Encouragement
In those moments of doubt, when I needed to feel understood and validated, I found comfort in the words of others who had walked this path before me.
Books have a way of reaching into our experiences, giving language to the things we struggle to express, making us feel seen.
Some of the books I recommend to every new mum:
📖 “The Fourth Trimester” by Kimberly Ann Johnson – A beautifully written book on postpartum recovery, emotional well-being, and the importance of slowing down.
📖 “Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter” by Amy Brown – A compassionate book that validates the complex emotions that come with breastfeeding struggles and unmet expectations.
📖 “Motherhood: A Manifesto” by Eliane Glaser – A powerful read on why mothers are expected to give endlessly—and how we can start reclaiming our own needs.
These books aren’t just about breastfeeding tips or baby care. They’re about helping mothers feel less alone, reminding them that what they’re feeling is real, valid, and shared by so many others.
If I could go back, I’d gift myself one of these books alongside a bag of nourishing tea and a quiet corner to read in—because sometimes, what a mother needs most is a reminder that she’s not failing, she’s just human.
A Gift That Feels Like a Hug
The best gifts aren’t always the most expensive. Sometimes, they’re the ones that wrap around a mother like a hug—a warm drink, a soft blanket, a book that tells her she’s doing better than she thinks.
If you know a breastfeeding mum who’s feeling overwhelmed, ask her how she’s doing—not just in terms of sleep and feeding, but emotionally. And if she doesn’t have the words?
Bring her the things that will help. A tea that nourishes. A book that reassures. A reminder that she is seen, loved, and doing an extraordinary job.
Because sometimes, the greatest gift isn’t advice or solutions—it’s simply knowing she’s not alone.
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.
