Why do I feel anxious while breastfeeding?

Understanding Anxiety During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a serene bonding experience between mother and child, yet many mothers report feelings of anxiety during this intimate act. This phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of factors, both psychological and physiological, that intertwine to create a complex emotional landscape.
The Role of Maternal Anxiety
One significant contributor to anxiety while breastfeeding is postpartum anxiety, which affects many new mothers. This condition manifests as excessive worrying and can lead to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and tension. The stress of caring for a newborn, coupled with hormonal changes, can exacerbate feelings of anxiety during breastfeeding sessions. The pressure to successfully breastfeed, combined with concerns about the baby’s health and well-being, can create a perfect storm of anxiety for many mothers.
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER)
Another critical factor is a condition known as Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). This condition triggers negative emotions, including anxiety and sadness, during the letdown reflex when milk is released. Research indicates that D-MER is a physiological response rather than a psychological one, suggesting that hormonal changes during breastfeeding can lead to these distressing feelings. Mothers experiencing D-MER often describe a sudden wave of negative emotions that can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of sadness or anxiety that are difficult to control.
Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation
In addition to D-MER, some mothers experience breastfeeding aversion and agitation (BAA). This condition is characterized by feelings of irritation, anxiety, or even anger during breastfeeding. Studies suggest that BAA may occur more frequently in mothers who are tandem feeding or breastfeeding while pregnant. The emotional response can be so intense that it leads to a desire to stop breastfeeding altogether, which can further complicate the mother’s emotional state.
The Impact of Societal Expectations
The societal pressure surrounding breastfeeding can also contribute to anxiety. Many mothers feel an overwhelming expectation to breastfeed successfully, which can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy if they struggle with the process. This pressure can amplify feelings of anxiety, making the experience less enjoyable and more stressful.
Conclusion
Feeling anxious while breastfeeding is a multifaceted issue that can stem from a combination of postpartum anxiety, physiological responses like D-MER, and societal pressures. Understanding these factors can help mothers navigate their feelings and seek support when needed. It’s essential for mothers to know that they are not alone in these experiences and that seeking help from healthcare professionals can provide relief and reassurance during this challenging time.

Why do I feel weird while breastfeeding?

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.

Why is breastfeeding hard mentally?

Common breastfeeding problems
Women often struggle with the pressure to feed very regularly, as well as the lack of sleep due to nighttime feeding. As a result, lots of new mothers find themselves feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and struggling with their mental health.

Can my emotions affect my baby when breastfeeding?

Cortisol can be passed to the baby through the breast milk. Past studies have shown that cortisol was found in the human milk of breastfeeding mothers experiencing higher levels of stress, and led to more crying and fussiness in their breastfed babies.

Does breastfeeding make you anxious?

Some breastfeeding parents are able to manage the feelings, especially once they understand what’s happening. However, for some parents, the feelings are so intense and unmanageable that they feel no choice but to wean. D-MER shares many of the same symptoms as postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.

Can stress affect a baby through breast milk?

Milk composition may be altered by maternal psychological distress and have an impact on lactation and breastfeeding success. The macronutrient content, specifically fatty acid concentration, of human milk is negatively associated with stress reactivity (measured via saliva cortisol in response to cold).

How to relax during breastfeeding?

Take care of yourself
Getting enough sleep (yes, we know it’s difficult with a new baby), exercising, staying hydrated and eating nutritious food can reduce stress and increase energy levels when you’re breastfeeding. Don’t forget to nurture your mind as well as your body.

What can you take for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.

Why does nursing give me anxiety?

The National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health lists the most common factors linked to nursing stress, including: Work overload. Time pressure. Lack of support.

Can anxiety decrease milk supply?

Feeling stressed or anxious
Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

Why do I get anxious at night with my newborn?

Possibly you’re worrying about what might happen in the future, whether you are doing things with your baby “the right way”, or how to manage your baby’s crying spells. Maybe you’re anxious about breastfeeding or feeling guilty about not breastfeeding.