Can breastfeeding make you feel like you have the flu?

Breastfeeding and Flu-like Symptoms: Understanding the Connection
Breastfeeding is often lauded for its numerous benefits for both mother and child, but some mothers report experiencing flu-like symptoms during the initial phases of nursing. This phenomenon can be perplexing and concerning for new mothers. Understanding the potential causes and implications is essential for anyone navigating this period.
The Immune Response
When a mother begins breastfeeding, her body undergoes significant changes, including the activation of the immune system. During this time, mothers may experience increased levels of hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin, which are crucial for milk production and bonding with the baby. However, these hormonal shifts can also lead to temporary feelings of fatigue, chills, or malaise, reminiscent of flu symptoms.
Moreover, breastfeeding requires significant energy expenditure. The body is not only producing milk but also recovering from childbirth. This can lead to fatigue and exhaustion, which might feel similar to having the flu.
Dehydration and Nutritional Needs
Breastfeeding mothers often have heightened hydration and nutritional needs. If these needs are not met, dehydration can occur, leading to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches—all of which can mimic the flu. It is crucial for nursing mothers to stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support their health and milk production.
Possible Infections
In some cases, the flu-like symptoms may not be directly related to breastfeeding itself but could indicate an underlying issue, such as a breast infection like mastitis. Mastitis can cause localized pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms like fever and chills, resembling flu symptoms. New mothers should be vigilant for signs of infection and seek medical advice if they suspect something is wrong.
Emotional Factors
The postpartum period can also bring emotional challenges, including anxiety and stress, which might manifest physically. The mental and emotional toll of adjusting to motherhood can lead to feelings of being unwell. Hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate feelings of sadness or anxiety, further contributing to the overall sensation of feeling flu-like.
Conclusion
While breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial process, it can come with its physical challenges. Flu-like symptoms in new mothers may be attributed to a combination of hormonal changes, fatigue, nutritional needs, potential infections, and emotional factors. It is crucial for mothers to listen to their bodies, prioritize self-care, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Understanding these connections can empower new mothers to navigate the breastfeeding journey with greater awareness and confidence.

Can postpartum cause flu-like symptoms?

For example, bleeding that persists for weeks could be a sign of a partially retained placenta. Flu like symptoms could be the sign of mastitis, a painful inflammation of breast tissue that could lead to infection.

Can breastfeeding make you feel unwell?

Mastitis (inflammation of the breast) happens when a blocked milk duct is not relieved. It makes the breast feel hot and painful, and can make you feel very unwell with flu-like symptoms.

Can breastfeeding make you feel feverish?

It’s common to experience a painful or burning sensation while breastfeeding, too. You might also develop a fever (usually 101 degrees Fahrenheit or more) and other flu-like symptoms (such as chills) — which can sometimes come on suddenly.

Can mastitis mimic the flu?

You might have a red, sore area on your breast. Sometimes it feels like getting the flu. You might feel hot and cold with a fever, and have general body aches.

Why am I feeling sick when breastfeeding?

Nausea that occurs with the milk let-down may be related to the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the milk ejection reflex (MER or let-down), and it also helps make digestion more efficient and is associated with other gut hormones that can cause nausea.

Can breastfeeding breast pain cause flu-like symptoms?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue. It often affects women who are breastfeeding. Symptoms include hot, swollen breasts, red streaks on the breasts, and body aches and chills. Treatment includes draining the breast, putting ice on it, and getting rest and plenty of fluids.

Can you get flu-like symptoms after stopping breastfeeding?

When should I call the doctor? Call your doctor if you have any of these flu-like symptoms that may be due to mastitis: Fever (temperature of 100.4°F or higher) • Chills • Aches • Weakness • Breast pain, redness or warmth while weaning.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

Can breastfeeding hormones make you feel sick?

Milk ejection can be associated with different sensations that vary dramatically between women. These may be localised to the breast such as a ‘drawing’ pain or tingling, to more systemic sensations such as nausea, thirst, fainting or even mental anxiety and depression8.

Can you get flu-like symptoms while breastfeeding?

The symptoms of mastitis can come on very suddenly. You may feel like you’re getting the flu before you feel any discomfort in your breast. When you feel that pain or see the telltale redness, call your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can diagnose mastitis based on a physical exam.