Welcome to the second installment of our series called Dear Listening Leader, where we receive questions from parents about human milk feeding and parenthood and offer solutions from a team of La Leche League USA Leaders. If you’d like to submit a question, please email [email protected] and we will try to get it answered.
On this occasion, a new nursing parent wrote to us seeking guidance on their feelings about their identity as a new parent.
Dear Listening Leader,
My baby is one week old. Nursing is going well, but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with being a new parent. My partner is back at work. It feels like all I do is nurse my daughter, take care of her diapering and bathing, and repeat. I feel like more of a dairy and less of a human. How can I break up the day while it seems to blur from just one feeding to the next? I don’t feel like myself!
New Baby, New Me
Dear New Baby, New Me,
Having a new baby can feel very overwhelming. Sometimes, the monotony of feeding on demand can have you feeling burnt out. Babies’ need for their parents is very intense. Many new mothers and parents experience these feelings! You are not alone. Two Leaders have shared their suggestions for you below.
Congratulations on your new baby and the success of your breastfeeding journey. This is sometimes how being with children can feel, sort of mundane and repetitive, while also chaotic and completely unpredictable! How are you doing emotionally, truly? Do you have some friends or family that can be available to keep you company, in person or on the phone? What things would make you feel more like your human self again? Try to prioritize these things EVERY DAY! I remember instituting my basic hygiene protocol, which included the absolute basics: brush teeth, wash face, change into daytime clothes. Sometimes having a simple and basic plan to take care of yourself can change the outlook on your whole day! Some days, this might not happen until 4 pm, but at least you did it and took care of yourself!
Remember you are still recovering physically and adjusting to your new role as mom. Do your best to enjoy this sometimes boring, but very special time. Revel in that space of boredom, and find ways to appreciate and cherish it. Take the time to care for yourself and your baby. Try to network with other new moms, maybe a local in-person La Leche League group or a virtual one, or a library story time. Good luck and congratulations to you. Keep up the great work, and hang in there!
From Leader Lauren
Those first few weeks of parenthood are a huge adjustment. Everyone warns you, but you don’t really know what to expect until you’re in it! First of all, you are not alone in how you are feeling. Second of all, you are doing great! You are providing everything your baby needs and more right now. Soon you’ll feel more settled in your new routine and parenting, and you’ll start to feel like yourself again. Trying to find ways to fit your old hobbies or interests into your new routine can be hugely helpful. Can you read a book (or listen to an audiobook) during a nursing session or nap time? Can your partner take over bath time so you have a few minutes to yourself at the end of the day? Building a community of other parents going through the same thing can also be beneficial–this is when a lot of parents find La Leche League! Having a reason to get out of the house, but not feel pressured to fit into your “old” way of doing things can make everything feel just a little bit easier. You’ve got this, and it will get easier soon.
From Leader Annie
Big hugs to you as you navigate your identity in parenthood and feeling like a new version of your old self. Remember that you are always evolving and growing as a person and a parent, right alongside your growing little one!
LLLove,Listening Leaders from La Leche League USA
More stories about finding your identity in parenthood:
Supporting Breastfeeding Families–Today, Tomorrow, Always
Please consider donating to La Leche League USA.
Your gift helps support this blog and the website!
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Thank you!
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Posted: October 21, 2025 by Yael Breimer
Dear Listening Leader: New Baby, New Me
Welcome to the second installment of our series called Dear Listening Leader, where we receive questions from parents about human milk feeding and parenthood and offer solutions from a team of La Leche League USA Leaders. If you’d like to submit a question, please email [email protected] and we will try to get it answered.
On this occasion, a new nursing parent wrote to us seeking guidance on their feelings about their identity as a new parent.
My baby is one week old. Nursing is going well, but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with being a new parent. My partner is back at work. It feels like all I do is nurse my daughter, take care of her diapering and bathing, and repeat. I feel like more of a dairy and less of a human. How can I break up the day while it seems to blur from just one feeding to the next? I don’t feel like myself!
New Baby, New Me
Dear New Baby, New Me,
Having a new baby can feel very overwhelming. Sometimes, the monotony of feeding on demand can have you feeling burnt out. Babies’ need for their parents is very intense. Many new mothers and parents experience these feelings! You are not alone. Two Leaders have shared their suggestions for you below.
Congratulations on your new baby and the success of your breastfeeding journey. This is sometimes how being with children can feel, sort of mundane and repetitive, while also chaotic and completely unpredictable! How are you doing emotionally, truly? Do you have some friends or family that can be available to keep you company, in person or on the phone? What things would make you feel more like your human self again? Try to prioritize these things EVERY DAY! I remember instituting my basic hygiene protocol, which included the absolute basics: brush teeth, wash face, change into daytime clothes. Sometimes having a simple and basic plan to take care of yourself can change the outlook on your whole day! Some days, this might not happen until 4 pm, but at least you did it and took care of yourself!
Remember you are still recovering physically and adjusting to your new role as mom. Do your best to enjoy this sometimes boring, but very special time. Revel in that space of boredom, and find ways to appreciate and cherish it. Take the time to care for yourself and your baby. Try to network with other new moms, maybe a local in-person La Leche League group or a virtual one, or a library story time. Good luck and congratulations to you. Keep up the great work, and hang in there!
From Leader Lauren
Those first few weeks of parenthood are a huge adjustment. Everyone warns you, but you don’t really know what to expect until you’re in it! First of all, you are not alone in how you are feeling. Second of all, you are doing great! You are providing everything your baby needs and more right now. Soon you’ll feel more settled in your new routine and parenting, and you’ll start to feel like yourself again. Trying to find ways to fit your old hobbies or interests into your new routine can be hugely helpful. Can you read a book (or listen to an audiobook) during a nursing session or nap time? Can your partner take over bath time so you have a few minutes to yourself at the end of the day? Building a community of other parents going through the same thing can also be beneficial–this is when a lot of parents find La Leche League! Having a reason to get out of the house, but not feel pressured to fit into your “old” way of doing things can make everything feel just a little bit easier. You’ve got this, and it will get easier soon.
From Leader Annie
Big hugs to you as you navigate your identity in parenthood and feeling like a new version of your old self. Remember that you are always evolving and growing as a person and a parent, right alongside your growing little one!
LLLove,Listening Leaders from La Leche League USA
More stories about finding your identity in parenthood:
Supporting Breastfeeding Families–Today, Tomorrow, Always
Please consider donating to La Leche League USA.
Your gift helps support this blog and the website!
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Thank you!
Follow us on:
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Category: Dear Listening Leader, Parenting
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