Why do I feel achy while breastfeeding?

Understanding Achiness While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, but for many new mothers, it can also come with unexpected physical discomforts, including feelings of achiness. This sensation can stem from various factors, each contributing to the overall experience of nursing.
Physical Strain and Postpartum Recovery
One of the primary reasons mothers may feel achy while breastfeeding is related to the physical demands placed on their bodies during the postpartum period. After childbirth, the body undergoes significant changes as it heals and adjusts. This recovery process can leave mothers feeling weak and achy, particularly if they are not getting enough rest or are experiencing the physical strain of holding their baby in a nursing position for extended periods. The act of breastfeeding itself requires a certain posture that can lead to muscle tension and discomfort, especially in the back, shoulders, and neck.
Mastitis: A Common Concern
Another potential cause of achiness during breastfeeding is mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that can occur when milk is not fully drained from the breast. Symptoms of mastitis include localized pain, swelling, and a general feeling of being unwell, which can manifest as body aches. This condition is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms, making it crucial for mothers to recognize the signs early and seek treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
Emotional and Mental Factors
The emotional toll of new motherhood can also contribute to physical sensations of achiness. The stress and anxiety that often accompany the early days of parenting can lead to muscle tension and fatigue. Breastfeeding can be a mentally taxing process, requiring focus and energy, which can leave mothers feeling drained. The combination of physical and emotional stressors can exacerbate feelings of achiness, making it essential for mothers to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed.
Nutritional Considerations
Lastly, nutritional deficiencies can play a role in how mothers feel while breastfeeding. The body requires additional nutrients to support milk production and recovery from childbirth. If a mother is not consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, she may experience fatigue and body aches. Ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition is vital for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being during this demanding time.
Conclusion
Feeling achy while breastfeeding is a multifaceted issue that can arise from physical strain, potential infections like mastitis, emotional stress, and nutritional needs. Understanding these factors can help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey with greater awareness and seek appropriate support when necessary. As always, if discomfort persists or worsens, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out any underlying conditions and to receive tailored advice.

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.

Why does my body 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.

How does breastfeeding affect your body physically?

Breastfeeding Burns Calories
During pregnancy, the body builds a reserve of weight to keep both mother and baby healthy. After giving birth, breastfeeding helps lose that weight. Breastfeeding can burn between 300-500 calories per day.

Can breastfeeding make you feel like you have the flu?

What are some symptoms of mastitis? You might have a red, sore area on your breast. Sometimes it feels like getting the flu. You might feel hot and cold with a fever, and have general body aches.

What to take for body aches while breastfeeding?

Most over-the-counter (also called OTC) medicine, like pain relievers and cold medicine, are OK to take when you’re breastfeeding. For example, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) are safe to use when breastfeeding.

Why do I feel sick every time I breastfeed?

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)

Is nursing hard on your body?

Physical Demand of Nursing
Job descriptions sometimes include physically demanding duties such as hauling equipment and lifting patients which are a needed part of the career. Because of the cumulative impact of these pressures on your body, your physical health must be your number one concern.

Can breastfeeding make you feel achy?

The hours and hours of holding baby and trying different feeding positions can lead to aches and pains in the back, neck, shoulders and even the wrists!

Can breastfeeding cause chills and body aches?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue. It often affects women who are breastfeeding. Symptoms include hot, swollen breasts, red streaks on the breasts, and body aches and chills.

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.