Does breastfeeding make you feel nauseous?

Understanding Nausea During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, but for some mothers, it can come with unexpected physical discomfort, including nausea. This sensation, while not universal, affects a notable percentage of nursing mothers, particularly in the early weeks postpartum.
Causes of Nausea
One of the primary reasons mothers may feel nauseous while breastfeeding is the hormonal fluctuations that occur during this time. The release of oxytocin, a hormone that facilitates milk let-down, can also trigger feelings of nausea. This hormone is closely linked to digestion and can influence gut sensations, leading to discomfort during feeding sessions.
Additionally, the physical demands of breastfeeding can contribute to nausea. Nursing requires significant energy, and mothers typically need an extra 400 to 500 calories per day to meet the nutritional demands of milk production. If a mother does not consume enough calories or skips meals, she may experience hunger-related nausea. Dehydration is another factor; many mothers forget to drink enough fluids while caring for their newborns, which can exacerbate feelings of nausea.
Timing and Duration
Nausea is most commonly reported in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. During this period, many mothers are adjusting to the new demands of nursing, which can be physically and emotionally taxing. Research indicates that for most mothers, this nausea tends to diminish by the sixth to eighth week postpartum. However, some may continue to experience these sensations even as their baby grows.
Interestingly, a condition known as D-MER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex) affects about 9% of breastfeeding parents, with nausea being a common symptom. This condition is characterized by a sudden feeling of sadness or anxiety during milk let-down, which can also manifest as nausea.
Remedies and Management
For mothers experiencing nausea while breastfeeding, there are several strategies that may help alleviate discomfort. Ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration is crucial; mothers should aim to eat balanced meals and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Taking breaks during feeding sessions to breathe deeply and relax can also be beneficial. If nausea persists, consulting with a healthcare provider may provide additional insights and support.
In conclusion, while nausea during breastfeeding is a common experience for some mothers, understanding its causes and implementing simple remedies can help manage this discomfort. As with many aspects of motherhood, patience and self-care are key to navigating the challenges of breastfeeding.

Why does breastfeeding make me feel weird?

It’s a physiological (read: not mental) response to your body releasing milk, and can bring on feelings of intense sadness, despair, anxiety and more as you’re starting to nurse your baby.

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.

Why does breastfeeding make my stomach upset?

For a few days after delivery, many women have cramping pain in the abdomen at the start of each feeding. This is because breastfeeding stimulates the release of hormones that help shrink the uterus back to its normal size.

Is it normal for breastfeeding to make you nauseous?

Nausea during let-down only occurs in a small percentage of breastfeeding people and usually disappears by 6 to 8 weeks postpartum.

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.

Why am I nauseous while breastfeeding?

nausea that occurs with let-down during breastfeeding (this happens because oxytocin, the hormone that causes your milk ejection reflex, is also associated with digestion and other gut hormones that cause nausea)

What are the four stages of breastfeeding?

The Basics of Breastfeeding
Breast milk has three different and distinct stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Colostrum is the first stage of breast milk. It occurs during pregnancy and lasts for several days after the birth of the baby. It is either yellowish or creamy in color.

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.

What are the hardest days of breastfeeding?

Everyone’s experiences of breastfeeding will vary, so there is no one single day which is the hardest. However, typically, breastfeeding is most challenging during the first week. This is because you are adjusting to life as a new mum, even if it is your second baby, or even your third or fourth.

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.