Why do I get the chills after pumping breast milk?

Understanding Post-Pumping Chills
Experiencing chills after pumping breast milk is a phenomenon that many new mothers report, often leaving them puzzled and concerned. This reaction, commonly referred to as postpartum chills, can be attributed to several physiological and emotional factors that occur during and after the breastfeeding process.
The Physiological Response
When a mother pumps breast milk, her body undergoes significant hormonal changes. The release of oxytocin, often dubbed the “love hormone,” plays a crucial role in milk ejection. This hormone not only facilitates the flow of milk but also induces feelings of relaxation and bonding. However, the rapid release of oxytocin can lead to a sudden drop in body temperature, resulting in chills. This is particularly noticeable in the moments following pumping when the body is transitioning from an active state to a more relaxed one.
Additionally, the act of pumping can sometimes trigger a fight-or-flight response, especially if the mother is feeling stressed or anxious about the process. This response can lead to fluctuations in body temperature, contributing to the sensation of chills.
Emotional and Psychological Factors
Breastfeeding and pumping can be emotionally charged experiences. Many mothers feel a mix of joy, anxiety, and even pressure to produce enough milk. This emotional rollercoaster can manifest physically, leading to chills. The body’s stress response can cause a release of adrenaline, which may also contribute to feelings of coldness or chills after pumping.
Moreover, the postpartum period is marked by significant hormonal shifts as the body adjusts to life after childbirth. These changes can affect how a mother feels physically and emotionally, sometimes resulting in unexpected symptoms like chills.
When to Seek Help
While chills after pumping are often benign, they can occasionally signal underlying issues, such as mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that can cause flu-like symptoms, including chills and fever. If a mother experiences persistent chills accompanied by other symptoms like breast pain, redness, or fever, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any complications.
Conclusion
In summary, the chills experienced after pumping breast milk can be attributed to a combination of hormonal changes, emotional responses, and the body’s physiological adjustments during the postpartum period. While typically harmless, understanding these reactions can help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey with greater awareness and confidence. If concerns arise, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

What does the beginning of mastitis feel like?

What are some symptoms of mastitis? You might have a red, sore area on your breast. Sometimes it feels like getting the flu. You might feel hot and cold with a fever, and have general body aches.

Are chills normal breastfeeding?

If your breasts are sore; have red streaks; or have a hard, red area, you may have mastitis. Some women also get a fever and chills. If you think you have mastitis, call your doctor. In the meantime, continue to breastfeed or pump to drain the milk from your breasts.

Why does breast pumping make me feel weird?

Oxytocin suppresses dopamine, which means your dopamine levels decrease. For reasons researchers don’t completely understand, some people’s dopamine levels drop very quickly and cause a sudden feeling of unhappiness and other negative emotions. This is D-MER.

Why does pumping breast milk make me feel sick?

Nausea that occurs with the milk let-down may be related to the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the milk ejection reflex (MER or let-down), and it also helps make digestion more efficient and is associated with other gut hormones that can cause nausea. According to Dr.

Why am I freezing after I pump?

Hormone fluctuations: Hormonal changes during lactation can cause chills, particularly during the first few days after delivery. The sudden drop in progesterone levels, coupled with increased prolactin levels, can cause cold flashes while breastfeeding.

How long can postpartum chills last?

Most postpartum chills, including those linked to an epidural or a c-section, go away on their own within 20 to 30 minutes. It’s rare for shaking and shivering during or after labor to last longer than an hour, no matter how you delivered.

What does the start of mastitis feel like?

Mastitis usually only affects 1 breast, and symptoms often come on quickly. They include: a swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch – the area may become red but this can be harder to see if you have black or brown skin. a wedge-shaped breast lump or a hard area on your breast.

What are the side effects of pumping milk?

You may have brief pain (10-15 seconds) at the beginning of each pumping while the collagen fibers in your nipples stretch. You may have slight tenderness of the nipple. Some women may have an uncomfortable sensation when their milk releases or “letting down” which may feel like tingling or “pins and needles.”

How long do postpartum chills last?

How long does postpartum shaking last? Most postpartum chills, including those linked to an epidural or a c-section, go away on their own within 20 to 30 minutes. It’s rare for shaking and shivering during or after labor to last longer than an hour, no matter how you delivered.

Why do I get the chills while pumping?

Mastitis is a breast inflammation most common in lactating women who breastfeed for the first six months of an infant’s life. It is caused by an infection with symptoms that appear to be very similar to flu, such as body aches, fatigue, chills and fever.