Can breastfeeding cause night sweats?

Understanding Night Sweats in Breastfeeding Mothers
Night sweats can be an unexpected and uncomfortable experience for many new mothers, particularly those who are breastfeeding. This phenomenon is often linked to the hormonal changes that occur during the postpartum period, which can be exacerbated by the demands of breastfeeding.
Hormonal Influences
After childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal shifts. These changes are particularly pronounced in the first few weeks postpartum, a time when night sweats are most common. The primary hormones involved include prolactin, which is essential for milk production, and estrogen, which tends to be lower in breastfeeding mothers. This low estrogen state can lead to increased sweating, hot flashes, and even symptoms like vaginal dryness.
Dr. Heather Beall, an obstetrician, explains that exclusive breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and menstruation, further contributing to these hormonal fluctuations. As a result, many breastfeeding mothers may find themselves waking up drenched in sweat, feeling as though they have just completed an intense workout, even while resting.
Duration and Severity
Postpartum night sweats can last for several weeks, and their intensity may vary based on individual circumstances. For breastfeeding mothers, these symptoms can persist longer than for those who are not breastfeeding, largely due to the ongoing hormonal changes associated with lactation. While this condition is generally considered normal, it can be distressing, especially when combined with other postpartum challenges such as fatigue and emotional fluctuations.
When to Seek Help
While night sweats are typically harmless, new mothers should be vigilant about accompanying symptoms. If night sweats are accompanied by fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, it may indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.
In summary, breastfeeding can indeed contribute to night sweats due to the complex interplay of hormonal changes that occur during the postpartum period. Understanding this connection can help new mothers navigate their experiences with greater awareness and reassurance.

Why are night sweats a red flag?

Changes in hormones due to other conditions, like pregnancy or a thyroid disorder, may also cause night sweats. Medical issues: A variety of disorders can have night sweats as a symptom, including types of cancer, spinal cord injury, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mercury poisoning.

When should I be concerned about night sweats?

If your night sweats occur on a regular basis, interrupt your sleep, or are accompanied by a fever or other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, then you should schedule an appointment with your physician.

Why do I wake up drenched in sweat at night?

Causes of night sweats
medicines, such as some antidepressants, steroids and painkillers. low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) alcohol or drug use. a harmless condition called hyperhidrosis that makes you sweat too much all the time.

How long do breastfeeding night sweats last?

That can leave you feeling tired and irritable the next day, and you may find that you need to change your sheets and pajamas more often than usual. Night sweats commonly last several weeks after giving birth (typically up to six weeks), although everyone is different – and they may last longer if you’re breastfeeding.

Why am I sweating so much at night postpartum?

Postpartum night sweats
“After delivery, you have a big drop in your hormones, especially estrogen, right away,” says Dr. Kinyoun. “This can cause significant night sweats. As in, change your pajamas and sheets when you wake up, significant.”

Why do I get hot flashes at night while breastfeeding?

Those who breastfeed also have lower levels of estrogen. 2 These lowered levels could make you more susceptible to postpartum night sweats. Dr. Matseoane-Peterssen says that while breastfeeding, you experience rising levels of prolactin, a hormone necessary for breastfeeding that also acts to keep estrogen levels low.

What are the side effects of breastfeeding for a mother?

5 Side Effects of Breastfeeding

• Back Pain: Think about it—you’re hunched over your baby, in an awkward position.
• Bruising: Yep, your little tike can cause some big bruises on your breasts.
• Carpal Tunnel: Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a problem for pregnant women, but it can also be a problem post-birth.

Can your milk supply dry up overnight?

Sometimes it seems as if your milk supply suddenly drops overnight. One day you have a good supply and the next you don’t. But that is typically not the case, and in most instances, something was going on for a while that was slowly decreasing the amount of milk you were producing.

Does breastfeeding make you sweat in your sleep?

You may have night sweats longer if you’re breastfeeding, as this keeps estrogen levels low. Low estrogen levels tend to make postpartum night sweats last longer.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after birth?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.