Why do I feel uneasy while breastfeeding?

Understanding Unease During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often heralded as a natural and bonding experience between a mother and her child, yet many mothers report feelings of unease during this intimate act. Understanding the roots of these feelings can help demystify the experience and provide support for mothers navigating these complex emotions.
Emotional and Physical Factors
1. Hormonal Fluctuations
Breastfeeding triggers a cascade of hormonal changes. The release of oxytocin, often dubbed the “love hormone,” promotes bonding but can also lead to an overwhelming emotional response. Conversely, fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen can contribute to feelings of anxiety or sadness. These hormonal shifts are normal but can be disorienting for new mothers.
2. Physical Discomfort
For some, the physical act of breastfeeding can bring discomfort. Issues such as latching difficulties, engorgement, or cracked nipples can create a negative association with the experience. Physical pain can lead to emotional distress, making the act of feeding feel more like a chore than a nurturing experience.
3. Fear of Judgment
Many mothers report unease stemming from societal pressures and fears of judgment. Whether it’s concern about breastfeeding in public or anxiety over their ability to produce enough milk, these external pressures can create a psychological burden. The modern discourse around breastfeeding can sometimes feel polarized, leaving mothers feeling vulnerable to criticism regardless of their choices.
Psychological Dimensions
1. Postpartum Anxiety and Depression
Some mothers may experience postpartum anxiety or depression, conditions that can significantly impact their feelings about breastfeeding. The pressure to breastfeed successfully can exacerbate these feelings, creating a cycle of stress and unease. Recognizing these conditions is crucial for seeking appropriate support.
2. Identity and Self-Perception
The transition to motherhood often comes with a new identity, which can be both exhilarating and daunting. For some mothers, the pressure to embody the “ideal” nurturing figure can lead to feelings of inadequacy. This internal conflict can manifest as discomfort during breastfeeding, as mothers struggle with their self-perception and societal expectations.
Support and Solutions
1. Open Communication
It’s essential for mothers to communicate their feelings with partners, family, or healthcare providers. Discussing unease can alleviate some of the pressure and lead to practical solutions, such as better latching techniques or addressing physical discomfort.
2. Professional Help
Seeking support from lactation consultants or mental health professionals can provide valuable resources. Lactation consultants can assist with physical challenges, while therapists can help address underlying emotional issues.
3. Self-Care Practices
Incorporating self-care routines can help mitigate feelings of unease. Mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and setting aside time for oneself can foster a more positive breastfeeding experience.
Conclusion
Feeling uneasy while breastfeeding is a multifaceted issue that can stem from hormonal changes, physical discomfort, societal pressures, and psychological challenges. By acknowledging these feelings and seeking support, mothers can navigate their breastfeeding journey with greater confidence and ease. Ultimately, understanding that these emotions are valid and common is the first step toward a more positive experience for both mother and child.

Is it normal not to 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 does breastfeeding make me restless?

It occurs during milk let-down, including pumping and spontaneous milk let-down not prompted by breastfeeding. Women with D-MER can feel a myriad of emotional responses such as irritability, homesickness, anxiety, hopelessness, a churning stomach, feel fidgety, emptiness, anger, dizziness, or feelings of restlessness.

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 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.

Why does breastfeeding make me feel uncomfortable?

A small percentage of women respond to breastfeeding hormones with a sudden onset of feeling sad, angry, homesick, or anxious. Often identified at D-MER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex), this condition is thought to be caused by the rise in prolactin levels, which briefly competes with and reduces dopamine levels.

Why do I feel so bad when I breastfeed?

It’s a physiological (read: not mental) response to your body releasing milk, and can bring on feelings of intense sadness, despair, anxiety and more as you’re starting to nurse your baby.

How long does it take to get comfortable with breastfeeding?

Mothers often say it takes a few weeks for breastfeeding to feel totally comfortable and natural, even if they have breastfed before. And as your baby grows in length and weight you’ll need to adjust how you support them.

Can breastfeeding make you feel funny?

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.

Why do I suddenly hate the feeling of breastfeeding?

Hormonal shifts are one of the most common causes of breastfeeding aversion. These shifts are usually due to either menstruation, ovulation, or pregnancy.

Can breastfeeding make you feel unwell?

Mastitis (inflammation of the breast) happens when a blocked milk duct is not relieved. It makes the breast feel hot and painful, and can make you feel very unwell with flu-like symptoms.