Why do I feel rage when I breastfeed?

Understanding Breastfeeding Rage
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a serene bonding experience between mother and child, yet for some women, it can evoke intense feelings of rage and agitation. This phenomenon, known as Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation (BAA), is increasingly recognized but remains under-researched. It can manifest as feelings of anger, anxiety, or even a sense of being trapped while nursing, leading to a complex emotional landscape for new mothers.
The Emotional Landscape of Breastfeeding
The emotional turmoil some women experience during breastfeeding can be attributed to various factors. One significant aspect is the Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER), which is characterized by a sudden onset of negative emotions coinciding with the milk letdown reflex. This can include feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even rage, which can be overwhelming and distressing.
Moreover, the physical demands of breastfeeding, combined with the hormonal fluctuations that occur postpartum, can exacerbate these feelings. The release of hormones such as oxytocin, which is typically associated with bonding and relaxation, can sometimes trigger contrasting emotions in certain women, leading to feelings of agitation or anger.
The Role of Postpartum Mental Health
Another critical factor to consider is the broader context of postpartum mental health. Conditions like postpartum depression and postpartum rage can significantly impact a mother’s emotional state. Postpartum rage, in particular, is characterized by intense feelings of anger and frustration that can arise after childbirth, often exacerbated by the stress and exhaustion of new motherhood.
Women may feel societal pressure to breastfeed, which can add to their emotional burden. The belief that “breast is best” can create feelings of guilt or inadequacy if the breastfeeding experience is not as fulfilling as expected. This pressure can lead to resentment and anger, particularly if the mother is struggling with her mental health or if breastfeeding is physically painful.
Conclusion
Feeling rage while breastfeeding is a complex issue that intertwines emotional, physiological, and psychological factors. It is essential for mothers experiencing these feelings to understand that they are not alone and that these emotions are valid. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, lactation consultants, or mental health experts can provide valuable resources and coping strategies. Recognizing and addressing these feelings can help mothers navigate the challenging landscape of breastfeeding, ultimately fostering a healthier relationship with both their infant and themselves.

Is it normal to not enjoy 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.

Why do I feel so angry when I breastfeed?

In my book, When Breastfeeding Sucks, I present my biopsychosocial theory of aversion. Aversion is a rather heart-breaking phenomenon, where breastfeeding triggers particular negative emotions and intrusive thoughts including anger, irritation, agitation and even rage.

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.

Why is my baby thrashing around while breastfeeding?

Overactive letdown (known medically as hyperlactation) can make it hard for a baby to keep up with the steady stream of milk. As a response, they may twist and tug to try and make the milk flow slow down or stop.

How do you handle aggression in nursing?

The Art of De-escalation in Managing Aggressive Patients and Emotional Reactivity

1. Maintain a Calm Demeanor.
2. Practice Active Listening.
3. Provide Patients an Opportunity to Vent.
4. Display a Non-Defensive Posture.
5. Impart Empathy and Compassion.
6. Resolution Stage.

How do I stop being aggressive while breastfeeding?

How to get relief

1. Hand express or pump a little bit of milk before getting your baby, and then help him latch on.
2. Release or detach your baby when you start to feel the overactive letdown.
3. Try laid-back nursing.
4. Manually slow the flow of milk at the areola with your fingers.
5. Limit bottles.

Why does breastfeeding put me in a bad mood?

A little understood phenomenon is Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). Mothers suffering from this physiological condition feel intense sadness and low mood from just before a breastfeed and for a couple of minutes of it starting, some experiencing it again with subsequent let downs through the feeding session.

Can breastfeeding cause mood swings?

Oxytocin and prolactin
While breastfeeding, these hormones promoted feelings of contentment, peace, and intimacy. As these hormone levels drop, some individuals experience complex physical and emotional symptoms including moodiness, sadness, or insomnia.

Can breastfeeding hormones cause anger?

Women are often told to expect that breast-feeding will bring about warm and fuzzy feelings, thanks to the bonding hormone oxytocin — and most of the time, that’s true. But it’s in stark contrast to what women with D-MER might feel, which can range from sadness to anger to hopelessness.

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.