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Why do I have body odor while breastfeeding?

Understanding Body Odor During Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the experience of breastfeeding brings a host of changes, both physical and emotional. One of the less discussed aspects of this journey is the occurrence of body odor. While it may feel embarrassing, it’s important to understand that this phenomenon is quite common and can be attributed to several physiological factors.
Hormonal Changes and Sweat Production
During breastfeeding, a woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal shifts. These changes are primarily driven by the hormones that facilitate milk production and breastfeeding itself. As a result, the body may produce more sweat, particularly from the apocrine glands located in areas such as the armpits and around the nipples. This increased sweat production can lead to a more pronounced body odor, as sweat from these glands is often thicker and can break down into fatty acids, contributing to a stronger scent.
The Role of Pheromones
Another intriguing aspect of body odor during breastfeeding is the role of pheromones. These chemical signals are naturally excreted by the body and can change during lactation. The purpose of these pheromones is to help attract the baby to the breast, creating a bond and facilitating feeding. This biological mechanism can also alter the mother’s scent, making it more noticeable or even unusual compared to her pre-pregnancy state.
Accumulation of Saliva and Other Factors
In addition to hormonal changes, the accumulation of saliva from the baby can also contribute to body odor. When breastfeeding, the close physical contact with the infant can lead to saliva transfer, which may mix with sweat and other bodily secretions, further intensifying the odor.
Moreover, the postpartum period is characterized by the body’s efforts to return to its pre-pregnancy state. This includes shedding excess water weight and rebalancing hormones, which can also affect how the body smells.
Coping with Body Odor
While body odor during breastfeeding is normal, many mothers seek ways to manage it. Regular hygiene practices, such as showering and using deodorants, can help mitigate the issue. Additionally, wearing breathable fabrics and staying hydrated can also play a role in reducing body odor.
In conclusion, while experiencing body odor during breastfeeding can be surprising and sometimes distressing, it is a natural part of the postpartum experience. Understanding the underlying causes—hormonal changes, increased sweat production, and the influence of pheromones—can help mothers feel more at ease with this aspect of their new reality. Embracing these changes as part of the beautiful journey of motherhood can make the experience more manageable and less daunting.

How long does postpartum body odor last?

How long postpartum body odor lasts varies. “For some, it may last a few weeks, while for others, it may persist for several months,” explains Dr. Chuang. “It typically resolves on its own as the body adjusts to postpartum changes.” According to Dr.

Can I use deodorant while breastfeeding?

But as mentioned before, either because of the smell of perfumes that may interfere with the initiation of breastfeeding or even disturb your baby, or because some of the substances in deodorants can reach into breastmilk (or the baby in the womb during pregnancy) in small quantities, it may be a good idea to look for

Why do I smell down there after having a baby?

Lochia consists of all the contents in your uterus from nine months of pregnancy. There will be an odor to the blood and discharge like a typical menstrual period.

What is the best deodorant for postpartum breastfeeding?

The Best Deodorants for Postpartum Body Odor:
Necessaire The Deodorant Gel. Secret Outlast. HATCH Fresh Mama Natural Deo. Saltair Skincare Deodorant.

Does breastfeeding make you have more Bo?

In fact, during breastfeeding, people can excrete different pheromones—mix that with a baby’s saliva, and it can cause an odor that may be new and unfamiliar to the lactating person.

Why do I smell when breastfeeding?

In fact, during breastfeeding, people can excrete different pheromones—mix that with a baby’s saliva, and it can cause an odor that may be new and unfamiliar to the lactating person.

How long are you considered postpartum?

There is consensus that the postpartum period begins upon birth of the newborn. The end is less well defined, but is often considered the six to eight weeks after birth because the effects of pregnancy on many systems have largely returned to the prepregnancy state by this time.

How to get rid of breastfeeding body odor?

Wear breathable clothing: If you’re struggling with increased sweating after baby, opt for breathable, loose and moisture-wicking fabrics, especially when shopping for a nursing bra. Stay hydrated: You know hydration is particularly important for breastfeeding moms, but it can also help with body odor after childbirth.

Does breastfeeding affect your armpits?

All things considered, milk being created in your armpit is just another strange thing that can happen during breastfeeding. But if you’re not expecting it? Talk about an unwelcome surprise. Luckily, pitties are harmless and usually resolve easily, so try to stay calm if you wake up one morning with bulging pits.

Why is my bo so bad postpartum?

There are big hormonal shifts in pregnancy and postpartum. That adjustment changes how much we sweat and how (and how strongly) we smell.” You carry a lot of extra fluid around in your body when you’re pregnant. Once you give birth, your estrogen and progesterone levels drop precipitously.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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