Legendairy Milk survey unveils mothers’ top hidden struggles of breastfeeding

Legendairy Milk has conducted a survey shining light on the hidden struggles among women who breastfeed or express milk through pumping. It finds that many mothers face challenges when feeding their babies, including public shame and high expectations. 

The survey included 1,000 respondents aged 18 to 45 who breastfed or pumped. The sample was divided in half between Gen Z and millennial mothers. The most commonly reported physical hurdles were pain while breastfeeding (38%), concerns about low milk supply (37%), and pumping challenges (35%).

To increase milk supply, 55% turned to hydration, 47% pumped more frequently, 33% used lactation supplements, and 33% made dietary changes.

During World Breastfeeding Week 2026, Nutrition Insight sits down with Luna Aziz, founder and CEO of Legendairy Milk, to discuss the findings and dive deeper into the challenges and stigma that women are facing.

She explains that there is a gap between breastfeeding in theory and what it actually can look and feel like in real life.

“Many mothers know about the benefits of breastfeeding and are encouraged to breastfeed, but often don’t receive education about the challenges that come with it, from pain and latching difficulties to concerns about milk supply, pumping demands, and the emotional pressure to ‘get it right.’”

She says that the survey reflects that disconnect, as 86% of respondents said breastfeeding was extremely or very important to them before giving birth, but nearly half (47%) found their breastfeeding or lactation journey more difficult than expected. 

Emotional burden

Aziz shares that she was especially struck by the emotional burden mothers are carrying. The survey reports that half of the women felt anxiety about milk supply or their ability to meet their baby’s nutritional needs. Additionally, 58% said they always or frequently felt guilt or shame during their breastfeeding journey.

The survey reports that half of the women felt anxiety about milk supply or their ability to meet their baby’s nutritional needs.“It was also telling that among mothers who experienced emotional challenges, their own expectations were the most commonly reported source of anxiety, pressure, or stress. This suggests that mothers are internalizing an enormous amount of pressure to breastfeed perfectly, even while navigating recovery after birth, a baby’s changing needs, and the many physical challenges that can arise.”

She says she was surprised and saddened that 60% said they had been given a hard time at least occasionally for nursing or pumping in public. “Mothers are already managing so much, and they should not have to worry about criticism or judgment while feeding their babies.”

When being told off for breastfeeding in public, Gen Z mothers reported that it made them feel self-conscious at a higher rate than millennials, 34% compared to 28%, respectively. 

Across both generations, 23% reported having pushed back against the person giving them a hard time, and 23% reported it made them feel more empowered to breastfeed or pump in public.

“These findings reinforce why education, advocacy, and community support have always been at the heart of Legendairy Milk. From the beginning, I wanted to create a support system for mothers during one of the most vulnerable and important seasons of their lives.”

Legendairy Milk also works with the Mother’s Milk Bank Austin, US, to help improve access to donor human milk. “Our donation efforts help provide critical resources for families, or support expecting moms by helping to fund their baby registries,” Aziz notes.

Resources available

There are a variety of lactation resources available today, including lactation consultants and counselors, hospital-based programs, peer-support groups, virtual consultations, educational platforms, and community programs. Federal and state initiatives also help connect families with lactation counseling, education, equipment, and supplies. 

However, availability does not necessarily mean equal accessibility, stresses Aziz.

“The support a mother receives can still depend heavily on where she lives, her resources, her insurance coverage, her health care system, her workplace, and whether she knows where to seek help. Timing is also critical. A resource is only truly useful if a mother can access it when a challenge arises, not several days or weeks later.”

The survey findings show that support must also extend beyond clinical care. Aziz explains: “Although 68% of respondents described their partner or family as very or extremely supportive, 65% said continuing to breastfeed or pump after returning to work was at least somewhat difficult.” 

“Mothers need a full support system that includes informed health care providers, understanding families, accommodating workplaces, and communities that respect their feeding decisions. While nursing employees have federal protections related to break time and private pumping spaces, the survey suggests that practical difficulties remain,” she says.

Access to information

Aziz concludes that breastfeeding is not simply a feeding decision, but rather a physical, emotional, and deeply personal experience.Although information is available, Aziz notes it may not always be provided early enough, presented realistically, or tailored to a mother’s individual circumstances. She argues that education should go beyond explaining how breastfeeding works. 

“It should help mothers recognize common challenges, understand where to turn for support, and feel prepared to adjust their feeding plan without guilt or shame. We need to have more honest conversations about the full experience so mothers know that facing difficulties doesn’t mean they’re failing.”

Aziz concludes that breastfeeding is not simply a feeding decision, but rather a physical, emotional, and deeply personal experience. “Mothers deserve realistic education, accessible resources, and support without judgment. We also need to move away from the idea that there is one ‘perfect’ breastfeeding journey. Every mother and baby will have different needs, circumstances, and goals.”

In another move to support breastfeeding women this week, Momcozy launched a 24/7 free-of-charge lactation line to support mothers, connecting them directly with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants between August 1 and 14. The maternal innovation femtech brand says the support line ensures mothers have direct access to certified lactation consultants for challenges and questions.