Can breastfeeding make you feel depressed?

Understanding the Connection Between Breastfeeding and Depression
Breastfeeding is often hailed for its numerous benefits for both mothers and infants, including nutritional advantages and bonding opportunities. However, a growing body of research suggests that breastfeeding may also have complex psychological effects on mothers, including feelings of depression. This article delves into the potential links between breastfeeding and maternal mental health, highlighting various factors that can contribute to this experience.
The Hormonal Landscape
One of the primary factors influencing a mother’s emotional state during breastfeeding is the hormonal changes that occur in her body. When a mother breastfeeds, her body releases oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone.” This hormone facilitates bonding and can promote feelings of happiness and contentment. However, the absence of breastfeeding can lead to fluctuations in hormone levels, potentially contributing to feelings of sadness or depression.
Conversely, breastfeeding can also bring about stress and anxiety, particularly for new mothers who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of nursing. The pressure to produce enough milk, the fear of not adequately nourishing the baby, and the physical discomfort associated with breastfeeding can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and stress, leading to depressive symptoms.
The Role of Support Systems
Support plays a crucial role in the breastfeeding experience. Mothers who lack adequate support—whether from partners, family, or healthcare professionals—may be more susceptible to feelings of isolation and depression. Research indicates that social support can significantly mitigate the risk of postpartum depression. Mothers who feel supported are more likely to have positive breastfeeding experiences, while those who feel alone may struggle more and experience heightened emotional distress.
Additionally, the stigma surrounding breastfeeding can also affect a mother’s mental health. Societal expectations and pressures can create feelings of guilt or shame for those who may find breastfeeding challenging or choose not to breastfeed at all. This can further complicate emotional well-being, as mothers grapple with their choices and the perceived judgments of others.
The Impact of Previous Mental Health Issues
A mother’s history of mental health issues can play a significant role in her breastfeeding experience. Women who have experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions prior to pregnancy may find that breastfeeding exacerbates these feelings. The stress of breastfeeding can trigger or worsen pre-existing conditions, leading to a cycle of distress that can be difficult to break.
Moreover, the experience of postpartum depression (PPD) is not uncommon, affecting approximately 15% of new mothers. Those who experience PPD may find breastfeeding particularly challenging, as the demands of nursing can feel overwhelming during a time when they are already struggling emotionally.
Conclusion: Navigating the Complex Terrain
While breastfeeding is often associated with positive outcomes, it is essential to recognize that it can also lead to feelings of depression and anxiety for some mothers. The interplay of hormonal changes, social support, mental health history, and societal pressures creates a complex landscape that can affect emotional well-being.
It is crucial for healthcare providers and family members to understand these nuances and offer appropriate support to breastfeeding mothers. By fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, we can help mitigate some of the emotional challenges associated with breastfeeding, ultimately promoting better mental health for mothers during this pivotal period.

Why does breastfeeding put me in a bad mood?

A little understood phenomenon is Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). Mothers suffering from this physiological condition feel intense sadness and low mood from just before a breastfeed and for a couple of minutes of it starting, some experiencing it again with subsequent let downs through the feeding session.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding?

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 dysregulated breastfeeding?

Because a vigorous sucking pattern without stopping is a new descriptor for a dysregulated breastfeeding pattern, this study has identified a behavior that—if future research is supportive—care providers and lactation specialists should assess.

Is breastfeeding hard on your body?

I’m talking wrist pain, back pain, rib pain, numbness, neck pain, tingling, tight muscles, feeling weak, breathing changes… All these changes to the musculoskeletal system and associated senorimotor cortext of the brain can start during a woman’s breastfeeding career.

Is it normal to hate the feeling of breastfeeding?

Depression or other negative emotions upon milk let-down (D-MER) Whilst not enjoying breastfeeding all the time, or developing nursing aversion is very common, a small number of women experience far stronger negative emotions when breastfeeding. This is called Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, or D-MER.

Why don’t I enjoy breastfeeding anymore?

It is not uncommon to have negative feelings around breastfeeding. Breastfeeding / Nursing Aversion and Agitation (BAA) – this is more around the whole of breastfeeding/pumping and can last longer but usually go away when you are not thinking about nursing or actually nursing. Hope that helps! Cheers!

Why is breastfeeding hard mentally?

Common breastfeeding problems
Women often struggle with the pressure to feed very regularly, as well as the lack of sleep due to nighttime feeding. As a result, lots of new mothers find themselves feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and struggling with their mental health.

Can breastfeeding affect your mental health?

In summary, there is research showing that breastfeeding has beneficial effects on mothers’ own mood, affect, and stress, and also that breastfeeding facilitates responses to positive emotions in others.

Can my emotions affect my baby when breastfeeding?

Cortisol can be passed to the baby through the breast milk. Past studies have shown that cortisol was found in the human milk of breastfeeding mothers experiencing higher levels of stress, and led to more crying and fussiness in their breastfed babies.

Does stopping breastfeeding make you happier?

Both oxytocin and prolactin contribute to feelings of calm, love, relaxation, closeness and contentment. As breastfeeding ends, both prolactin and oxytocin levels will lower – and so may your mood and sense of wellbeing. It may last a few days, or it may go on for longer.