Can breastfeeding trigger anxiety?

Understanding the Connection Between Breastfeeding and Anxiety
Breastfeeding is often heralded as a natural and beneficial practice for both mother and child, yet it can also be a source of significant emotional distress for some mothers. The relationship between breastfeeding and anxiety is complex, influenced by a myriad of factors that can exacerbate feelings of stress and unease.
Breastfeeding Anxiety: A Real Experience
Many mothers report experiencing anxiety related to breastfeeding, a phenomenon that can stem from various sources. According to experts, while breastfeeding itself does not inherently cause anxiety, the pressures and challenges associated with it can lead to heightened stress levels. Leigh Anne O’Connor, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, emphasizes that the anxiety often arises from external factors such as societal expectations, personal insecurities, and the physical demands of nursing, rather than the act of breastfeeding itself.
Maternal Psychological Distress
Research indicates a strong link between maternal psychological distress—encompassing anxiety, stress, and depression—and breastfeeding outcomes. Observational studies have shown that mothers experiencing high levels of psychological distress are more likely to face difficulties with breastfeeding, including reduced duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. This suggests that a mother’s mental health can significantly impact her breastfeeding journey, creating a cycle where anxiety about breastfeeding can lead to poorer breastfeeding outcomes, which in turn may exacerbate anxiety.
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER)
Another specific condition that can contribute to anxiety during breastfeeding is Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). This condition is characterized by feelings of sadness or anxiety that some mothers experience just before milk ejection. It can create a confusing emotional landscape for mothers who are otherwise committed to breastfeeding, leading them to question their feelings and the overall experience.
The Role of Weaning
The transition away from breastfeeding, or weaning, can also trigger anxiety. Many mothers find this period challenging, as it not only involves physical changes but also emotional adjustments. The focus on the baby’s health often overshadows the mother’s emotional needs, leading to feelings of neglect and anxiety about the future.
Support and Coping Strategies
For mothers grappling with breastfeeding-related anxiety, support is crucial. Mental health professionals and lactation consultants recommend various strategies to alleviate stress, such as seeking peer support, practicing mindfulness, and addressing any underlying mental health issues. These approaches can help mothers navigate their feelings and foster a more positive breastfeeding experience.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding itself does not directly cause anxiety, the emotional and psychological challenges surrounding it can lead to significant stress for many mothers. Understanding this connection is vital for providing adequate support and resources to help mothers manage their mental health during this critical period. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of breastfeeding, we can create a more nurturing environment for mothers and their infants alike.

Does breastfeeding increase anxiety?

Breastfeeding releases a chemical called oxytocin. It can cause you to feel less stressed and promote a state of calm. Oxytocin can also help you bond with your baby and boost feelings of affection between you and your child.

How long does it take for hormones to regulate after stopping breastfeeding?

How long after weaning will it take for hormones to balance and your cycle to recalibrate? “Any changes to our body’s systems typically takes up to three months,” says Cortner. “This is the time for our hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which is the communication from brain to ovaries, to recalibrate.”

Why does nursing give me so much anxiety?

One common reason for nurse anxiety is the ever-changing standards of patient care. The nursing profession is constantly changing. What was best practice yesterday may be poor practice tomorrow. As a traveling nurse, I have noticed that one facility’s basic standard of care may be foreign to another.

Can letdown breastfeeding cause anxiety?

It might be a condition called dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER). Unrelated to postpartum depression (PPD) or anxiety, D-MER hasn’t been widely studied—but it’s likely a hormonal response to your let-down, or flow of milk, say experts.

Why does nursing give me anxiety?

The National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health lists the most common factors linked to nursing stress, including: Work overload. Time pressure. Lack of support.

When does anxiety peak postpartum?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that maternal anxiety usually spikes right after delivery and up to six weeks postpartum but can emerge at any time until a baby’s first birthday, including breastfeeding transitions or the return of your periods.

What are the side effects of breastfeeding while pregnant?

What are the risks of breastfeeding while pregnant?

• sore nipples.
• nausea (may be triggered during letdown)
• fatigue.
• feelings of being overwhelmed.
• a decreased milk supply.
• changes to your breast milk — the color, consistency, and taste may change.

How long does post-breastfeeding anxiety last?

This is sometimes known as the ‘baby blues’ and usually only lasts for a few days. Having anxious thoughts and worries now and again are natural, particularly in the early weeks after having a baby.

What can you take for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding

• SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity.
• Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.
• Beta blockers e.g. propranolol act to reduce heart rate and slow the body and act very quickly.

Why is my anxiety so bad after having a baby?

For many women, the abrupt decrease in estrogen and progesterone at the time of delivery can lead to a greater sensitivity to stress, causing some to feel overwhelmed, fearful or panicky. Sleep deprivation from newborn care can also contribute to these feelings.