Can breastfeeding cause rage?

Understanding the Connection Between Breastfeeding and Rage
Breastfeeding is often celebrated for its numerous benefits, both for infants and mothers. However, a lesser-known aspect of this intimate act is the emotional turmoil some mothers experience, which can manifest as feelings of rage or agitation. This phenomenon, known as Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation (BAA), has garnered attention in recent discussions about maternal mental health.
The Phenomenon of Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation
Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation is characterized by a range of negative emotions that some mothers report while nursing. These feelings can include anger, frustration, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Research indicates that BAA may be particularly prevalent among mothers who are tandem feeding—nursing both a newborn and an older child—or those who are breastfeeding while pregnant.
Mothers experiencing BAA often describe intrusive thoughts and a strong desire to detach from the breastfeeding experience, which can lead to feelings of rage. This emotional response is not merely a reflection of personal struggles but can also be influenced by societal pressures that emphasize breastfeeding as the ideal choice, often disregarding the mother’s emotional and physical well-being.
The Role of Hormones and Mental Health
The hormonal changes that accompany breastfeeding can also play a significant role in a mother’s emotional state. Prolactin and oxytocin, hormones released during breastfeeding, are typically associated with feelings of bonding and relaxation. However, for some women, these hormonal shifts can trigger negative emotions, leading to what is sometimes referred to as D-MER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex). This condition can cause feelings of anxiety or agitation just before or during milk ejection.
Moreover, postpartum mental health issues, such as postpartum rage, can exacerbate these feelings. Postpartum rage is characterized by intense anger and frustration that some women experience after childbirth, which can be compounded by the stress of breastfeeding. The combination of these factors can create a perfect storm, where the act of breastfeeding becomes a source of emotional distress rather than comfort.
Societal Pressures and Personal Struggles
The societal narrative surrounding breastfeeding often places immense pressure on mothers to adhere to the ideal of “breast is best.” This pressure can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy, particularly when mothers struggle with the emotional aspects of breastfeeding. Many women report feeling trapped or resentful, as they navigate the demands of nursing while managing their own mental health.
In some cases, mothers have shared their experiences of feeling as though they have “traded their sanity for milk,” highlighting the intense emotional toll that breastfeeding can take. This sentiment underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of breastfeeding that acknowledges not only its benefits but also the potential emotional challenges mothers may face.
Conclusion
While breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial practice, it is essential to recognize that it can also evoke complex emotions, including rage and agitation, in some mothers. Understanding the phenomenon of Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation, along with the hormonal and societal factors at play, is crucial for supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. As awareness grows, it is hoped that more resources and support systems will be developed to help mothers navigate these challenges, ensuring that their emotional well-being is prioritized alongside the health of their infants.

How do you handle aggression in nursing?

The Art of De-escalation in Managing Aggressive Patients and Emotional Reactivity

1. Maintain a Calm Demeanor.
2. Practice Active Listening.
3. Provide Patients an Opportunity to Vent.
4. Display a Non-Defensive Posture.
5. Impart Empathy and Compassion.
6. Resolution Stage.

How do I stop being aggressive while breastfeeding?

How to get relief

1. Hand express or pump a little bit of milk before getting your baby, and then help him latch on.
2. Release or detach your baby when you start to feel the overactive letdown.
3. Try laid-back nursing.
4. Manually slow the flow of milk at the areola with your fingers.
5. Limit bottles.

Why is breastfeeding so emotionally hard?

In fact, a woman’s hormones after delivery can play a major role in their breastfeeding experience. “A woman can have a dip in mood from changes in the hormones responsible for lactation, called oxytocin and prolactin,” says Mary Hoffman, an advanced clinician lactation consultant at Sharp Mary Birch.

What is pregnancy rage?

During pregnancy, a bout of anger can be related to all the changes you’re going through, the normal discomforts of pregnancy, or it could be triggered by something that annoys or frustrates you.

Does breastfeeding affect behavior?

For example, duration of breastfeeding experience has been shown to correlate negatively with parent-reported antisocial and aggressive behavior in children from 4 to 11 years of age [43]. These effects on antisocial behavior appear to extend well beyond childhood into adulthood.

Why is breastfeeding so triggering?

When you breastfeed, your body releases prolactin (a hormone necessary for milk production) and oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that triggers the flow or ejection of milk from your breasts when your baby suckles (or you begin pumping). Oxytocin suppresses dopamine, which means your dopamine levels decrease.

Does breastfeeding affect mood?

Among the 39 women who breastfed at 8 weeks postpartum, oxytocin area under the curve during breastfeeding was inversely correlated with maternal EPDS and STAI-State and STAI-Trait anxiety scores (all p≤0.01). Higher anxiety and depression scores was further associated with lower oxytocin (group p<0.05) during feeding.

Can breastfeeding cause anger issues?

In my book, When Breastfeeding Sucks, I present my biopsychosocial theory of aversion. Aversion is a rather heart-breaking phenomenon, where breastfeeding triggers particular negative emotions and intrusive thoughts including anger, irritation, agitation and even rage.

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.

What is the hardest stage of breastfeeding?

Many mothers find the first two to three weeks of breastfeeding to be the most challenging. This is when mothers may be tempted to stop due to ongoing challenges. Most mothers who persist find that the rewards are gratifying and long-term, for both themselves and their babies.