Why do I get negative thoughts while breastfeeding?

Understanding Negative Thoughts During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often depicted as a serene bonding experience between mother and child. However, it is not uncommon for new mothers to experience negative thoughts during this intimate process. Understanding the underlying reasons for these feelings can help in addressing them effectively.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of New Motherhood
The transition to motherhood can be fraught with emotional challenges. Hormonal fluctuations that occur after childbirth play a significant role in shaping a mother’s emotional landscape. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply after delivery, which can lead to mood swings and increased anxiety. This is particularly pronounced in the postpartum period, where mothers may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for a newborn, coupled with physical exhaustion.
The Pressure to Succeed
Breastfeeding, while a natural process, can also bring about immense pressure. Many mothers face societal expectations to breastfeed exclusively for a certain duration, often leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy if they struggle with the process. This pressure can manifest as negative thoughts, as mothers might worry about whether they are doing it “right” or if they are providing enough nutrition for their baby.
Physical Discomfort
For some mothers, breastfeeding may be accompanied by physical discomfort or pain, particularly in the early weeks. Issues such as latch problems, sore nipples, or mastitis can make the experience stressful. This discomfort can exacerbate negative feelings, creating a mental association between breastfeeding and pain or stress.
Sleep Deprivation and Fatigue
The demands of a newborn often result in significant sleep deprivation. The lack of sleep can severely impact a mother’s mental health, leading to irritability and difficulties in managing emotions. Fatigue can cloud judgment and amplify negative thoughts, making it harder for mothers to engage positively with their breastfeeding experience.
Isolation and Loneliness
Many new mothers experience feelings of isolation, especially if they are primarily at home caring for their newborn. This sense of loneliness can contribute to negative thinking patterns. Breastfeeding, which often requires a significant amount of time spent nursing alone, can intensify these feelings, creating a cycle of negative thoughts that are difficult to break.
Strategies for Managing Negative Thoughts
While negative thoughts during breastfeeding can be distressing, there are strategies to help manage them:
1. Seek Support: Engaging with other mothers, whether through support groups or online forums, can provide a sense of community and understanding.

2. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help mothers stay grounded and reduce anxiety.
3. Talk to a Professional: If negative thoughts persist, consulting a mental health professional can provide valuable tools and coping strategies.
4. Focus on the Positive: Keeping a gratitude journal or noting positive breastfeeding experiences can help shift focus away from negative thoughts.
Conclusion
Experiencing negative thoughts while breastfeeding is not uncommon and can stem from a variety of physical, emotional, and social factors. Understanding these triggers can empower mothers to seek the support and strategies they need to enhance their breastfeeding journey and overall well-being. It is essential to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and every mother’s experience is unique.

Why does breastfeeding put me in a bad mood?

“A woman can have a dip in mood from changes in the hormones responsible for lactation, called oxytocin and prolactin,” says Mary Hoffman, an advanced clinician lactation consultant at Sharp Mary Birch. “Oxytocin triggers the letdown reflex that moves the milk, and prolactin promotes milk production.”

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 long does it take for hormones to settle 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.

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.

Why is breastfeeding hard on mental health?

“A woman can have a dip in mood from changes in the hormones responsible for lactation, called oxytocin and prolactin,” says Mary Hoffman, an advanced clinician lactation consultant at Sharp Mary Birch. “Oxytocin triggers the letdown reflex that moves the milk, and prolactin promotes milk production.”

How long does breastfeeding aversion last?

The difference between aversion and DMER
As a condition, though, DMER is prompted by your milk ejection reflex — hence the name. As such, it lasts for just a few minutes, unlike aversion, which can last for entire nursing sessions.

How long do postpartum intrusive thoughts last?

Most women find that these thoughts gradually fade away within a few months. However, if your intrusive thoughts are causing you significant distress, lasting for a long time, or are accompanied by other symptoms of anxiety or depression, it’s important to seek professional help.

How many hours should a breastfeeding mom sleep?

Like any other adult, a nursing mother should strive for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. She has to get adequate sleep in order to maintain her health and have the energy necessary to care for her child. She may benefit from short naps throughout the day to feel more rested.

Can breastfeeding cause intrusive thoughts?

Breastfeeding aversion and agitation (BAA), commonly referred to as nursing aversion, is a phenomenon where breastfeeding mothers experience negative feelings that are coupled with intrusive thoughts when their baby is latched and suckling at the breast.

Why do I feel negative when breastfeeding?

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.