Does breastfeeding make you feel weird?

The Complex Emotions of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often heralded as a natural and beautiful bonding experience between mother and child. However, for many women, it can also evoke a range of unexpected feelings, including discomfort, confusion, and even a sense of weirdness. This emotional complexity stems from the multifaceted nature of breastfeeding, which is not merely a physical act but also a deeply personal and psychological experience.
The Learning Curve
For new mothers, breastfeeding can initially feel overwhelming. It is described as a learning process for both the mother and the baby, requiring significant time and mental energy, especially in the early days and weeks. Many women report that it takes a while to adjust to the demands of breastfeeding, which can lead to feelings of frustration or inadequacy. This adjustment period can contribute to a sense of weirdness, as mothers navigate the physical sensations and emotional responses that accompany nursing.
Biological and Emotional Reactions
Breastfeeding is not just about feeding; it triggers various biological responses that can be surprising. The act of nursing can lead to unexpected emotional reactions, which may include feelings of vulnerability or even discomfort. Some mothers find that their breasts, which have often been associated with sexual stimulation, take on a different role during breastfeeding, leading to mixed feelings. This shift can create a sense of dissonance, as women reconcile their identities as nurturers with their previous associations with their bodies.
The Taboo of Sexual Feelings
Interestingly, some women report experiencing sexual feelings while breastfeeding, a topic that remains largely taboo. This phenomenon can leave mothers feeling confused or guilty, as they grapple with the societal expectations surrounding motherhood and sexuality. The intimate nature of breastfeeding can blur the lines between nurturing and sexuality, leading to a complex emotional landscape that many are hesitant to discuss openly.
Physical Sensations and Discomfort
The physical sensations of breastfeeding can also contribute to feelings of weirdness. Some mothers describe the experience as intensely pleasurable, akin to relief after holding in a need for a long time. However, others may find it uncomfortable or even painful, particularly if they are struggling with latch issues or other breastfeeding challenges. This discomfort can further complicate the emotional experience, making it difficult for some women to fully embrace the act of breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity
Ultimately, the feelings surrounding breastfeeding are as varied as the women who experience it. While some may find it to be a deeply fulfilling and natural process, others may struggle with feelings of weirdness, discomfort, or confusion. It is essential for mothers to acknowledge these feelings and understand that they are not alone in their experiences. Breastfeeding is a personal journey, and each woman’s experience is valid, regardless of how it makes her feel.

Why do I feel funny when I breastfeed?

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex, or D-MER, is a condition that affects people who breastfeed (chest feed) or pump milk. It causes sudden and intense negative emotions just before you “let down” or release milk. It’s quick and lasts just a minute or two.

What are hormonal symptoms while breastfeeding?

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 breastfeeding hard on a woman’s body?

‘Many women find breastfeeding painful to begin with and may also develop sore, painful, swollen breasts, inflammation (mastitis) or infections,’ says Dr Rosen. ‘Engorgement is common and your doctor can advise on what to do.

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.

Does breastfeeding mess with your emotions?

Breastfeeding has been reported to impact mood and stress reactivity in mothers [55]. Specifically, breastfeeding mothers report reductions in anxiety, negative mood, and stress when compared to formula-feeding mothers [56].

Why do I feel weird when breastfeeding?

It’s due to a hormonal fluctuation of dopamine. For some women, it is momentary. For others, it is incapacitating, making it difficult to breastfeed. Dysfunctional Milk Ejection Reflex is a real condition.

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.

Will I feel better after I stop breastfeeding?

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.

What are the weird symptoms of breastfeeding?

In the first few days and even weeks, it can feel like breastfeeding takes a lot of time and mental energy, but it will get easier.

• Breastfeeding Can Hurt.
• Newborns Like to Nurse Often.
• Babies Can Reject Breastfeeding.
• Breasts Can Leak Milk.
• Breastfeeding Burns Calories.
• You May Get Uterine Cramps.

Can breastfeeding make you feel off?

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.