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What is the weird sensation when breastfeeding?

The Complex Sensation of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often described as a multifaceted experience, blending physical sensations with emotional responses. For many mothers, it can be a profound journey filled with both joy and discomfort. The sensations experienced during breastfeeding can vary widely, leading to a range of feelings that are sometimes described as “weird” or unexpected.
Physical Sensations
At its core, breastfeeding involves a unique interplay of physical sensations. Many mothers report an initial feeling of relief and warmth when their baby latches on, akin to the sensation of finally being able to relieve oneself after holding it in for too long. This feeling can be accompanied by a rush of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which enhances bonding and can create a euphoric feeling during nursing sessions.
However, this experience is not universally pleasant. Some mothers encounter discomfort or pain, particularly in the early days of breastfeeding when both mother and baby are still adjusting to the process. Nipple pain and breast engorgement are common issues that can overshadow the positive sensations.
Emotional Responses
The emotional landscape of breastfeeding is equally complex. While many mothers feel a deep connection to their child during nursing, others may experience feelings of agitation or aversion. This phenomenon, known as breastfeeding aversion and agitation (BAA), can occur in certain situations, such as when a mother is breastfeeding while pregnant or tandem feeding a toddler and a newborn. These feelings can create a dissonance between the nurturing aspect of breastfeeding and the discomfort or frustration some mothers may feel.
The Weird Sensation
The term “weird sensation” often arises in discussions about breastfeeding, reflecting the unexpected and sometimes conflicting feelings that can accompany the act. Some mothers describe experiencing waves of emotions that can feel overwhelming or even disorienting. This can include feelings of vulnerability, intimacy, and sometimes even a sense of being overwhelmed by the physical demands of nursing.
Moreover, the physical sensations can sometimes blur into sexual feelings, particularly in contexts outside of traditional breastfeeding, such as when discussing adult interactions. This aspect, while less commonly addressed, highlights the complex nature of human physiology and emotional responses.
Conclusion
In summary, the sensations associated with breastfeeding are anything but straightforward. They encompass a spectrum of physical and emotional experiences that can range from blissful to uncomfortable. Understanding these sensations can help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey with greater awareness and support, recognizing that their feelings—whether positive or negative—are a normal part of this deeply personal experience.

Why do I feel vibrating when breastfeeding?

After a while you will notice that the sucks become more infrequent but you might feel “flutters” with more occasional swallowing (some mums say it feels like their baby is tickling them, or their tongue is vibrating against your nipple). This helps to draw even more fat down the ducts as fat is thick and sticky.

What are the sensations while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding: The Let-Down Reflex
You may even have a let-down when your baby or someone else’s baby cries, or for no reason at all. Some women don’t feel the let-down. Others may feel a pins and needles or tingling sensation. Others will have a very strong sensation or discomfort.

What not to do while breastfeeding?

Don’t drink alcohol when you’re breastfeeding. Alcohol includes beer, wine, wine coolers and liquor. If you do drink alcohol, don’t have more than two drinks a week. Wait at least 2 hours after each drink before you breastfeed.

What does tingling sensation in the breast mean breastfeeding?

Tingling breasts often indicate the letdown reflex, where milk is released from the breast during breastfeeding or pumping. This sensation is a positive sign that milk is flowing and is a natural part of the lactation process.

What is the phantom feeling of breastfeeding?

Phantom Letdown
It may feel like breast milk is about to leak out, but there is no milk in the breast. The phantom sensation of letdown can occur long after weaning, and it’s typically nothing to worry over.

Why do I have a weird sensation in my breast?

Breast pain may occur as a dull ache, heaviness, tightness, a burning sensation in the right or left breast tissue, or both, or overall breast tenderness. It often stems from hormonal changes, but injuries, infections, and other factors can also cause it.

Why do I get a weird feeling when I breastfeed?

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.

What is the let down sensation while breastfeeding?

The Let Down Reflex
There is a hormonal on and off switch controlled through breast stimulation. A baby or pump on your breast activates these hormones, which activates the let down reflex and tells your breasts to let down the milk. So, having a let down means that your milk has started to flow.

What is the fluttering feeling when breastfeeding?

Your baby is a busy little bee and will be performing between 800 to 1000 such ‘wave-like’ movements during a feed! At the end of the feed, you will notice your baby ‘flutter sucking’ with occasional swallows and this is actually when he/ she gets the fattiest bit of the feed which is essential.

Why do I feel a sharp sensation in my breast breastfeeding?

Symptoms: Breast or nipple pain that’s stabbing, burning, or feels like pins and needles—both during and after nursing—can be the result of a vasospasm, when contracting blood cells reduces blood flow to a particular area. You may also notice your nipples turning white, then blue or red.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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