How can I stop anxiety while breastfeeding?

Understanding Anxiety While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural and bonding experience between mother and child, yet many mothers face significant anxiety during this period. This anxiety can stem from various sources, including concerns about the baby’s health, the breastfeeding process itself, and the overwhelming responsibilities of motherhood. Understanding how to manage this anxiety is crucial for both maternal well-being and successful breastfeeding.
The Impact of Maternal Anxiety
Research indicates that maternal anxiety can disrupt breastfeeding behaviors and overall maternal functioning. Anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period can lead to difficulties in establishing and maintaining breastfeeding, which may, in turn, exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and stress in new mothers. This cyclical relationship between anxiety and breastfeeding can create a challenging environment for both mother and infant.
Recognizing Breastfeeding Anxiety
Breastfeeding anxiety can manifest in various ways, including feelings of dread before feeding sessions, physical symptoms like increased heart rate, or even a sense of disconnect from the baby during feeding. Some mothers may experience a specific condition known as Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER), which can cause feelings of sadness or anxiety just before milk is ejected. Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward addressing them.
Strategies to Alleviate Anxiety
1. Seek Support: Connecting with other mothers, lactation consultants, or support groups can provide reassurance and practical advice. Sharing experiences can help normalize feelings of anxiety and create a supportive community.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help ground mothers in the moment, reducing anxiety. Focusing on the sensations of breastfeeding and the bond with the baby can also enhance the experience.
3. Establish a Routine: Creating a consistent breastfeeding schedule can help mothers feel more in control. Knowing when to expect feeding times can reduce anxiety about when and how often to feed.
4. Limit External Pressures: Mothers should feel empowered to ignore unsolicited advice and societal pressures regarding breastfeeding. Each mother-baby pair is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
5. Consider Professional Help: If anxiety becomes overwhelming, seeking help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in postpartum issues can be beneficial. They can provide coping strategies tailored to individual needs.
6. Educate Yourself: Understanding the breastfeeding process and what to expect can alleviate fears. Knowledge about common challenges and solutions can empower mothers to navigate their breastfeeding journey with confidence.
The Importance of Self-Care
Mothers must prioritize their own mental health. Engaging in self-care activities, whether it’s taking a short walk, enjoying a warm bath, or simply resting when the baby sleeps, can significantly improve overall well-being. Remember, a relaxed and happy mother is more likely to foster a positive breastfeeding experience.
Conclusion
While anxiety during breastfeeding is common, it is essential to address it proactively. By seeking support, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care, mothers can create a more positive breastfeeding experience for themselves and their babies. Understanding that they are not alone in this journey can empower mothers to embrace the challenges of breastfeeding with greater confidence and peace of mind.

How to deal with anxiety while breastfeeding?

Increase skin-to-skin contact: If you’re breastfeeding, try bringing your baby closer to your body. This feeling can lower your cortisol levels and decrease your heart rate, almost like a calming effect. Practice meditation or deep breathing: Trying to relax is key. This lowers anxiety and reduces stress.

What is the best anti anxiety medication for breastfeeding?

Sertraline and paroxetine (among SSRIs) and nortriptyline and imipramine (among TCAs) are the most evidence-based medications for use during breastfeeding because of similar findings across multiple laboratories, usually undetectable infant serum levels and no reports of short term adverse events.

How to stop feeling overwhelmed with breastfeeding?

Practice mindfulness by noticing how your baby’s skin feels, the sounds they are making as they nurse, any scent that you may smell, and the rise and fall of their chest as they breathe. Mindfulness is a form of stress management that you can do while breastfeeding and at other times.

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.

Can you pass anxiety through breast milk?

In line with the fetal programming hypothesis, it might be argued that, when the environment is stressful, mothers could physiologically signal this information to their infants via breast milk cortisol, and infants could subsequently adjust their behavioral phenotype to their (future) environment.

How to reduce stress during breastfeeding?

Slow, calm breathing can help lessen the experience of discomfort as it reduces the release of stress hormones and can promote the release of oxytocin, the ‘feel good’ hormone. Focussing on breathing deeply and evenly meant that I wasn’t fixating on the less pleasant sensations of early breastfeeding.

What is a natural anti anxiety while breastfeeding?

Studies show that passion flower and oat are as effective as prescription anxiety medications. Plus, oats can help boost the metabolism of fats and increase milk production for nursing mamas. Melissa (Lemon Balm). Melissa, a member of the mint family, helps ease anxiety and depression and is an effective antiviral.

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.

What natural remedies can I take for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Studies show that passion flower and oat are as effective as prescription anxiety medications. Plus, oats can help boost the metabolism of fats and increase milk production for nursing mamas. Melissa (Lemon Balm). Melissa, a member of the mint family, helps ease anxiety and depression and is an effective antiviral.

How to stop breastfeeding anxiety?

What non-medication strategies are helpful in decreasing postpartum anxiety?

1. Cuddle your baby (a lot). This releases oxytocin, which can lower anxiety levels.
2. Try to maximize sleep.
3. Spend time with other mothers.
4. Increase your physical activity.
5. Wean gradually.
6. Ask for help.