Why do I feel depressed while breastfeeding?

Understanding Postpartum Emotions: The Connection Between Breastfeeding and Depression
Introduction
Breastfeeding is often hailed for its numerous benefits, both for the infant and the mother. However, many new mothers experience feelings of depression or sadness during this intimate time. Understanding the complexities behind these emotions requires a multifaceted approach, taking into account physiological, psychological, and social factors.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster
One of the primary reasons new mothers may feel depressed while breastfeeding relates to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone rise significantly. After childbirth, these hormonal levels drop drastically, which can lead to a range of emotional responses, including sadness and anxiety.
Prolactin and Oxytocin are two hormones that play crucial roles in breastfeeding. While prolactin promotes milk production, oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection and fostering emotional bonding between mother and baby. Fluctuations in these hormones can impact mood, contributing to feelings of depression during breastfeeding sessions.
The Physical Demands of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a physically demanding process. It can be painful, especially in the early days, leading to discomfort and stress. The act of breastfeeding often requires long hours of sitting or lying in a single position, which can lead to physical fatigue and discomfort. This physical strain can exacerbate emotional distress and contribute to a sense of isolation, particularly for mothers who may not have adequate support.
Psychological Factors
Mental Health History is another critical aspect to consider. Mothers with a history of depression or anxiety may find that these conditions are exacerbated by the demands of motherhood and breastfeeding. The pressure to successfully breastfeed can create additional stress, leading to feelings of inadequacy or guilt if they encounter difficulties.
Moreover, the societal expectations surrounding breastfeeding can add to this psychological burden. Many new mothers feel a sense of obligation to breastfeed, and any perceived failure to do so can lead to feelings of shame or disappointment.
Social Isolation
The transition to motherhood can also be isolating. Many new mothers report feeling lonely, especially if they are homebound with their newborns. Breastfeeding can intensify this sense of isolation, as it often requires the mother to be physically present with the baby, limiting her ability to engage in social activities.
Support Systems are vital during this period. Lack of support from partners, family, or friends can leave mothers feeling overwhelmed and alone. Conversely, a strong support network can provide emotional relief and practical assistance, making the breastfeeding experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Conclusion
Feeling depressed while breastfeeding is a complex issue that involves a combination of hormonal, physical, psychological, and social factors. It is essential for new mothers to recognize that they are not alone in these feelings and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Consulting healthcare providers for support, joining support groups, and fostering open conversations about mental health can significantly alleviate these feelings and enhance the breastfeeding experience.

Why do I get so sad when I breastfeed?

D-MER is a rare condition which some breastfeeding women experience. Women with D-MER feel negative emotions seconds before their let-down reflex. It happens when they are breastfeeding or expressing and can also happen if their breasts let down at times when they aren’t breastfeeding.

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].

How to mentally cope with breastfeeding?

Coping with the emotional challenges of breastfeeding

1. Get personalized lactation advice. Meeting with a lactation expert can help ease your mind when it comes to breastfeeding challenges.
2. Attend a breastfeeding support group.
3. Pursue counseling for maternal mental health.

Why don’t I enjoy breastfeeding anymore?

It is not uncommon to have negative feelings around breastfeeding. Breastfeeding / Nursing Aversion and Agitation (BAA) – this is more around the whole of breastfeeding/pumping and can last longer but usually go away when you are not thinking about nursing or actually nursing. Hope that helps! Cheers!

Does stopping breastfeeding make you happier?

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.

Is it normal to hate the feeling of breastfeeding?

Depression or other negative emotions upon milk let-down (D-MER) Whilst not enjoying breastfeeding all the time, or developing nursing aversion is very common, a small number of women experience far stronger negative emotions when breastfeeding. This is called Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, or D-MER.

What is dysregulated breastfeeding?

Because a vigorous sucking pattern without stopping is a new descriptor for a dysregulated breastfeeding pattern, this study has identified a behavior that—if future research is supportive—care providers and lactation specialists should assess.

How long does postpartum depression last?

Untreated postpartum depression can last for months or longer, sometimes becoming an ongoing depressive disorder. Mothers may stop breastfeeding, have problems bonding with and caring for their infants, and be at increased risk of suicide.

Can breastfeeding cause anxiety and depression?

A majority of studies do report some association between breastfeeding and postpartum depression; however the direction of the relationship is unclear and some of the findings conflict with one another.

Why is breastfeeding so hard on mental health?

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.