By Hilary Metcalfe
Breastfeeding is often described as a beautiful and instinctive experience. But in reality? It’s a steep learning curve, one that comes with unexpected challenges, both physical and emotional.
For many women, it’s a journey filled with unspoken struggles—the kind that don’t always make it into baby books or antenatal classes. It’s a mix of bonding and frustration, of deep nourishment and deep depletion, of moments of pure connection and moments of exhaustion so heavy you can feel it in your bones.
And yet, when a mum finds breastfeeding difficult, the common advice she hears is:
"Just keep going."
"It gets easier."
"Your body was made for this."
What she doesn’t always hear is acknowledgment. That it’s okay if she’s finding it hard. That she’s not alone in the sleepless nights, the cracked skin, the hormonal shifts, the endless hunger, the self-doubt.
When I became a mother, I experienced all of this firsthand. And later, as a holistic nutritionist and product developer, I realised that many of these struggles aren’t just emotional—they’re physical, biological, and completely valid. And most importantly? They can be supported.
The Deep, Unquenchable Thirst
The moment a baby latches, a mum’s body starts pulling water into milk production. It happens instantly, and suddenly, she’s as thirsty as if she’d run a marathon.
Dehydration while breastfeeding isn’t just uncomfortable—it can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even impact milk supply. And yet, many new mums don’t hydrate properly, either because they’re too exhausted to remember or because they’re stuck under a sleeping baby without a free hand to grab a drink.
And here’s what’s frustrating: plain water isn’t always enough. Breastfeeding drains electrolytes, trace minerals, and essential nutrients from the body, meaning hydration needs to be replenishing, not just wet.
A real solution? A tea blend that hydrates and restores essential minerals, like The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata. Made with moringa (a natural iron and calcium booster), oat straw (rich in silica and magnesium), and fennel (a traditional galactagogue), it doesn’t just quench thirst—it replenishes what’s lost.
And let’s not forget a proper water bottle—because if she can’t drink with one hand, she won’t drink enough. A straw-lid insulated bottle is game-changing.
The ‘Why Am I Always Hungry?’ Mystery
Breastfeeding burns between 500–700 extra calories per day—that’s more than a long-distance run. But unlike a marathon, a breastfeeding mum doesn’t get a recovery period. She just keeps going.
And that’s why so many mums feel constantly hungry—not just for food, but for nutrient-dense, slow-burning energy that actually fuels their body.
This is where real postpartum nourishment matters. Processed snacks and quick meals don’t cut it. What the body needs are:
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B vitamins and iron to combat postpartum fatigue
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Slow-digesting protein to keep blood sugar stable
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Healthy fats and collagen for tissue repair and hormone support
This is why giving a mum a nourishing food-based gift is one of the most thoughtful things you can do. A box of nutrient-rich teas, energy-boosting supplements, or a postnatal meal delivery isn’t just practical—it’s life-giving.
Brands like Mum Bub Hub’s Postnatal Meal Service provide ready-to-eat, slow-release energy meals designed for breastfeeding mums. And for an easy nutrient boost, something like The SABI Mama Infusions Set helps support energy levels naturally with adaptogenic herbs and lactation-supporting botanicals.
The Physical Toll on Skin & Body
No one talks enough about how much breastfeeding affects the skin. The hormonal shifts, the constant baby contact, the disrupted sleep cycles—they all contribute to dry, inflamed, and extra-sensitive skin.
Many mums notice:
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Postpartum acne or pigmentation due to fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels.
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Dry, flaky skin (especially on the hands and face) from constant washing and contact with baby’s skin.
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Stretch marks and loss of elasticity due to the rapid hormonal drop postpartum.
And yet, skincare for breastfeeding mums isn’t just about moisturising—it’s about replenishing what’s been lost.
Products like The SABI Active Nutrient Serum restore essential hydration and barrier function with collagen-boosting seaweed and hyaluronic acid. Meanwhile, The SABI Prebiotic Moisturiser helps soothe irritation and protect against dryness.
It’s not just skincare—it’s skin recovery.
The Emotional Side: When Breastfeeding Feels Isolating
One of the most unexpected struggles of breastfeeding isn’t physical—it’s emotional.
The long nights, the repetitive routine, the pressure to ‘get it right’—it can feel incredibly isolating. And that’s why some of the best gifts aren’t things at all, but reminders that she is seen, supported, and never alone.
A simple handwritten letter that says, "You're doing an incredible job. I see how much love you're pouring into this." means more than a dozen baby blankets.
And if you’re looking for a physical gift, choose something that makes her feel nurtured—a massage voucher, a postpartum care package, or even just a scheduled visit where you bring food and let her nap.
Because sometimes, the best way to support a breastfeeding mum isn’t by fixing anything—it’s by making her feel held, so she can keep holding everything else.
Because Breastfeeding Isn’t Just About Baby—It’s About Mum Too
So much of the focus around breastfeeding is about the baby’s health, the baby’s latch, the baby’s feeding schedule. But what about her?
The best gifts for breastfeeding mums aren’t just practical. They’re the ones that say:
"You are just as important as the baby you’re nourishing."
And when a mother feels nurtured, replenished, and cared for, she can pour from a cup that isn’t empty.
Because every breastfeeding journey deserves to be supported, not just endured.
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.
