Why does breastfeeding make me feel emotional?

The Emotional Landscape of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often celebrated for its nutritional benefits, but it also plays a significant role in shaping the emotional experiences of mothers. Many women report feeling a complex mix of emotions during and after breastfeeding, ranging from profound joy to unexpected sadness. Understanding why this occurs involves delving into the intricate interplay of hormones, psychological factors, and the unique bond formed between mother and child.
Hormonal Influences
At the heart of the emotional experience of breastfeeding is the hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” When a mother breastfeeds, oxytocin levels surge, promoting feelings of affection and nurturing. This hormone not only facilitates milk ejection but also fosters a deep emotional connection between mother and baby, creating a sense of calm and attachment . Many mothers describe this experience as akin to falling in love, where the release of oxytocin can evoke feelings of bliss and contentment.
However, the hormonal landscape is not solely about positive emotions. The process of breastfeeding also involves prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. As prolactin levels rise, there is a corresponding drop in dopamine, a hormone associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. For some women, this drop can be significant enough to lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness, or even self-loathing. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “dysphoric milk ejection,” highlights how the hormonal shifts during breastfeeding can lead to a range of emotional responses.
Psychological Factors
The emotional experience of breastfeeding is also influenced by psychological factors. Many mothers grapple with feelings of inadequacy or anxiety about their ability to nourish their child. This can be exacerbated by societal pressures and personal expectations, leading to feelings of shame or isolation. Additionally, as mothers navigate the transition into parenthood, they may experience a sense of loss or change in identity, which can contribute to emotional turmoil.
Moreover, breastfeeding can trigger memories and feelings related to past experiences, including trauma or loss, which may surface during this intimate act. The emotional weight of these memories can add layers of complexity to the breastfeeding experience, making it a deeply personal journey that varies from one mother to another.
The Dual Nature of Emotions
The emotional responses to breastfeeding are not solely negative or positive; they often coexist. While many mothers feel an overwhelming sense of love and connection during breastfeeding, they may also experience moments of frustration or sadness. This duality can be confusing, as mothers may feel guilty for not enjoying every moment of what is often portrayed as a blissful experience.
In conclusion, the emotional landscape of breastfeeding is shaped by a combination of hormonal influences and psychological factors. The interplay of oxytocin and prolactin creates a unique emotional experience that can evoke both joy and sadness. Understanding these dynamics can help mothers navigate their feelings, fostering a more supportive environment for their breastfeeding journey.

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.

How do I emotionally detach from breastfeeding?

7 Ways To Stay Emotionally Healthy While Weaning Your Breastfed Baby

1. Wean slowly over time.
2. Have social support ready.
3. Write down your why.
4. Create a weaning plan.
5. Remember: You are a great mother no matter how you are feeding your child.
6. Talk about how you are feeling.
7. Cuddle your baby.

Why do I feel emotional 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.

What is Gestalt breastfeeding?

‘gestalt breastfeeding’, which aims to optimise positional stability and intra-oral breast tissue. volumes for pain-free effective breastfeeding. The word gestalt (pronounced ‘ger-shtolt’) means ‘a whole that is more than the sum of its parts.’

Why is breastfeeding emotionally draining?

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.

Does breastfeeding make you more sensitive?

Studies show that breastfeeding contributes to maternal sensitivity and the development of a positive mother-infant bond.

Why is breastfeeding so triggering?

When you breastfeed, your body releases prolactin (a hormone necessary for milk production) and oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that triggers the flow or ejection of milk from your breasts when your baby suckles (or you begin pumping). Oxytocin suppresses dopamine, which means your dopamine levels decrease.

Why do I feel violated when breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and reproductive hormones
Hormonal shifts are one of the most common causes of breastfeeding aversion. These shifts are usually due to either menstruation, ovulation, or pregnancy. For some breastfeeding parents, breastfeeding aversion peaks during their menstrual cycle.

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.

Does breastfeeding cause emotional changes?

While breastfeeding is associated with maternal mood and postpartum depression, it is difficult to know whether it is breastfeeding or maternal mood or affect that is driving (causing) the effects due to the complex relation between breastfeeding and maternal mood and affect.