Can breastfeeding hormones cause anger?

Understanding the Link Between Breastfeeding Hormones and Anger
Breastfeeding is often celebrated for its numerous benefits, both for infants and mothers. However, emerging research suggests that the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding can also lead to unexpected emotional responses, including anger. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in discussions about postpartum mental health.
Hormonal Changes During Breastfeeding
The act of breastfeeding triggers a complex interplay of hormones, primarily oxytocin, prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone. Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” plays a crucial role in milk ejection and bonding between mother and child. Prolactin is responsible for milk production, while estrogen and progesterone help regulate the overall breastfeeding process. However, these hormonal fluctuations can also influence a mother’s emotional state.
Postpartum Rage and Emotional Responses
One significant emotional response linked to hormonal changes after childbirth is postpartum rage. This condition manifests as intense feelings of anger, frustration, and irritability, often exacerbated by the stress of new motherhood. Research indicates that hormonal shifts, particularly in the postpartum period, are a primary contributor to these feelings. The combination of lifestyle changes, physical recovery, and emotional adjustments can create a perfect storm for heightened irritability.
Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation
In addition to postpartum rage, some mothers experience a phenomenon known as breastfeeding aversion and agitation (BAA). This condition is characterized by feelings of discomfort or anger during breastfeeding, particularly in women who are tandem feeding or breastfeeding while pregnant. Although this area is not extensively researched, anecdotal evidence suggests that hormonal changes during breastfeeding can lead to these negative emotions, making the experience challenging for some mothers.
Cortisol and Emotional Responses
Interestingly, breast milk itself can contain varying levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Studies have shown that higher concentrations of cortisol in breast milk can lead to behavioral changes in infants, such as irritability and discomfort. This raises questions about the potential cyclical nature of stress and emotional responses in breastfeeding mothers. If a mother is experiencing high stress, it may not only affect her emotional state but also the composition of her breast milk, potentially influencing her baby’s behavior and, in turn, her own emotional well-being.
Conclusion
The relationship between breastfeeding hormones and emotional responses, particularly anger, is complex and multifaceted. While breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial process, it can also trigger a range of emotions due to hormonal fluctuations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for supporting mothers during the postpartum period, as it highlights the importance of mental health alongside physical health in the journey of motherhood. As research continues to evolve, it is essential for healthcare providers to recognize and address these emotional challenges, ensuring that mothers receive the support they need.

Why does breastfeeding put me in a bad mood?

“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. “Oxytocin triggers the letdown reflex that moves the milk, and prolactin promotes milk production.”

What are the side effects of breastfeeding hormones?

Breastfeeding and hormonal changes
Decreased estrogen levels impact vaginal tissue, temporarily decreasing elasticity, blood flow, and thinning of the tissue. These vaginal changes cause symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, burning, irritation, painful intercourse, urinary frequency, and urgency.

Can breastfeeding hormones make you angry?

Women are often told to expect that breast-feeding will bring about warm and fuzzy feelings, thanks to the bonding hormone oxytocin — and most of the time, that’s true. But it’s in stark contrast to what women with D-MER might feel, which can range from sadness to anger to hopelessness.

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.

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

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.

Why am I so easily frustrated and angry?

Irritability can be caused by hunger, fatigue, drug and alcohol use and mental and physical health conditions. Physical health conditions can include: dementia. premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Why am I so angry all the time after having a baby?

Some studies show postpartum anger can coincide with other postpartum conditions like postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. Mental health and mood changes are common after childbirth. With so many changes in your hormones, health and daily life, it’s understandable that your mood can shift.

Can breastfeeding cause mood swings?

Oxytocin and prolactin
While breastfeeding, these hormones promoted feelings of contentment, peace, and intimacy. As these hormone levels drop, some individuals experience complex physical and emotional symptoms including moodiness, sadness, or insomnia.

Is it normal to get angry while breastfeeding?

Maybe you’ve discovered these negative feelings arise only at certain times: when you’re tired, around the time of your period, during pregnancy, etc. However you experience it, Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation (BAA) is a very real phenomenon and one that often leaves those who experience it feeling guilty.

Why has my personality changed after having a baby?

Many people who have given birth will experience mild mood changes after having a baby, known as the “baby blues”. This is normal and usually only lasts for a few days. But postpartum psychosis is very different from the “baby blues”. It’s a serious mental illness and should be treated as a medical emergency.