Why do I get mad when I breastfeed?

Understanding Anger During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a serene bonding experience between mother and child, yet for some women, it can evoke unexpected feelings of anger and agitation. This phenomenon, known as breastfeeding aversion and agitation (BAA), is increasingly recognized but remains under-researched. It can manifest as a sense of frustration, anxiety, or even anger while nursing, leading to a complex emotional landscape for breastfeeding mothers.
The Emotional Landscape of Breastfeeding
The emotions surrounding breastfeeding can be influenced by various factors. For many women, the act of breastfeeding is laden with societal expectations and personal pressures. The stress of fulfilling these expectations can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed or trapped, particularly if the breastfeeding experience is not going as planned. This emotional turmoil can trigger anger, especially if the mother is already experiencing stress from other areas of her life, such as relationship issues or postpartum challenges.
Moreover, the physical discomfort associated with breastfeeding—such as pain from improper latching or the stress of managing a fussy baby—can exacerbate these feelings. As one mother recounted, the physical challenges of breastfeeding can lead to a cycle of negative emotions, where frustration with the process feeds into feelings of anger.
Societal Pressures and Misunderstandings
The societal context in which breastfeeding occurs also plays a significant role. Mothers may feel judged or scrutinized, particularly in public settings, where breastfeeding can provoke mixed reactions from onlookers. This societal pressure can lead to feelings of anger, not just towards the situation but also towards the societal norms that dictate how and where breastfeeding should occur.
Additionally, there are misconceptions about the effects of a mother’s emotional state on breastfeeding. Some people believe that breastfeeding while angry can harm the baby, leading to further anxiety for the mother. However, experts clarify that while a mother’s emotional state can affect her experience, it does not directly harm the baby.
The Need for Awareness and Support
Recognizing that feelings of anger and agitation during breastfeeding are valid and not uncommon is crucial. Support systems, whether through lactation consultants, peer groups, or mental health professionals, can provide mothers with the tools to navigate these emotions. Understanding that breastfeeding can be a challenging experience allows for a more compassionate approach to maternal health.
In conclusion, the anger some mothers feel while breastfeeding is a multifaceted issue influenced by emotional, physical, and societal factors. By fostering awareness and providing support, we can help mothers navigate these complex feelings, ultimately promoting a healthier breastfeeding experience.

Can breastfeeding hormones make you angry?

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.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

Why does breastfeeding make me angry?

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 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.

What are the mental effects of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding plays a role in developing emotional regulation skills by providing a source of comfort and soothing during times of distress. When a baby is breastfed, they experience physical closeness, warmth, and nourishment, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

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 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.

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.

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.

Does breastfeeding cause mood swings?

Contrary to assertions that breastfeeding prevents postpartum depression,29 we found that exclusive breastfeeding at 2 weeks was associated with increased mood symptoms at 8 weeks in our sample. Other authors have reported associations between lactogenic hormones and maternal mood.