2 in 5 Breastfeeding Moms Say They Never Have Enough Time

A recent survey for the National Breastfeeding Month found that nearly two in five moms feel there is never enough time to accomplish parenting responsibilities. The survey was commissioned by Momcozy, a global brand focused on breastfeeding and early motherhood. 

Conducted by Talker Research between July 1 and July 9, 2026, the online survey gathered responses from 2,000 mothers who are currently breastfeeding or have breastfed within the past five years. Survey results were analyzed by age, gender, region, breastfeeding status (currently breastfeeding or not), feeding method, and whether respondents were first-time or experienced mothers. 

The survey explored the many realities of early motherhood—from the hours moms devote to breastfeeding, feeding, playtime, soothing, and bedtime routines to the challenges and barriers they face along their breastfeeding journey, as well as their expectations and goals for feeding their babies, among other questions. 

The said survey reveals, “While the average day includes four hours spent playing or snuggling with their baby, another two hours are allotted to changing diapers, and two more for bedtime routines and soothing their child. Above all, feeding takes up the most time: From breastfeeding to starting solids, the average mom spends over 91 full days feeding their baby over the course of a year.” 

Breastfeeding moms are exhausted and it's not hard to understand why. 

The clock doesn't stop after a breastfeeding session ends. There's the burping, cleaning pump parts, labeling and storing milk, washing bottles, placing them in the sterilizer, checking if the freezer stash is enough, calculating when the next feeding will happen, and mentally planning the rest of the day around a tiny person's appetite. 

According to the said survey, moms spend an average of three hours every day breastfeeding during the baby's first year. Over the course of twelve months, feeding alone adds up to more than 91 full days.

The physical act of feeding is only part of the story. For many respondents, the breastfeeding journey was far from easy. Nearly three in four moms (73%) said it left them feeling exhausted after overcoming common challenges like sore nipples (48%), physical fatigue (39%), and difficulties with latching (33%). 

Those are the unseen hours of motherhood. 

Melissa Kotlen, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Clinical Manager of Momcozy explains the research, “These findings reflect what we hear from families every day.“ She adds, “While breastfeeding is often described as natural, that doesn’t mean it comes naturally. It requires an incredible investment of time, energy and emotional resilience, especially during the first year.”

For Kotlen, when breastfeeding challenges arise, many mothers begin to question whether they're doing enough, even though these experiences are far more common than they may realize. Every family's feeding journey is unique, and having access to reliable information and timely support can empower moms to make informed decisions with greater confidence—for both themselves and their babies.

The survey also revealed something many mothers quietly wish for: more support.  Nearly half (49%) wanted their partners to help more with household responsibilities, while many longed for greater emotional and mental support (46%). This matters because while only one person can breastfeed, everyone in the family can help protect the time and energy breastfeeding requires.

Sometimes support means washing the bottles without being asked. Sometimes it's preparing dinner while mom nurses. Maybe offering a glass of water or bite-sized snacks while mom pumps. Sometimes it's taking the baby after a feeding so mom can nap. Sometimes it's simply saying, "You're doing enough."

According to the National Nutrition Council, while dads don’t breastfeed, they can support breastfeeding moms by: 

• Being there. Fathers can try to place the breastfed baby on his chest, rock the baby on his shoulder, or just spend time with the baby 

• Taking care of the baby. Fathers can soothe, bathe, change, dress, cuddle, and burp the baby.  

• Showing support. A husband’s support and approval of breastfeeding contributes strongly to a wife’s decision and duration to breastfeed. The husband should ensure that the wife has enough back and leg support while she breastfeeds.  

• Offering encouragement. Husbands can help their partners feel good about themselves. Husbands can remind their wives that they’re doing an amazing job and that their efforts are seen and appreciated. If breastfeeding doesn't go as planned despite a mother’s best efforts, a husband can reassure her that it doesn't define her as a mother.  

• Going the extra mile.  Husbands can help with household chores, care for the other children, and run errands.  

• Staying informed. According to the council, fathers who are well-informed and knowledgeable about breastfeeding will find it easier to support the mother-infant breastfeeding relationship and make the journey easier. 

Does your baby cry or fuss while breastfeeding? Read this article to find out why.