Sadness while nursing

[louisef]

Hi i am a peer supporter and a lady i am supporting at the moment gave birth 2 days ago and baby is in special care so when she goes to try and feed the baby or express some milk she gets an overwhelming feeling of sadness and depression that lifts when the act stops
She has given me the ok to ask about this as she is desperate to breastfeed and would love to know if any one else has gone through this, as this is the second time it has happened and she only managed 4 weeks with the last baby.
The birth was ok a bit quick and she has not had her ideal birth in her eyes either time.

[@llli*andrea.wolford]

poor mom...
I think it's pretty common!
its great she has you to talk to.

do you have a local leader?
Maybe talking to other ladies would help!

does the hospital have a support group?
She might feal beter as she gets to bond with baby.
Assure her that she'll get to know baby even with this rough start.

[@llli*jeremijasmommy]

Hormones are so crazy at that time, I wouldn't be suprised if it has to do with the "Baby Blues." I remember just holding my lo and crying while he nursed thinking I could never be a good mom in those early days. It only lasted about 3 weeks. Then the "love hormones" kick in and that all fades away.

[@llli*djs.mom]

Hi. It's different than the baby blues. I suffered from the "letdown blues" and I know at least one other here did as well. It was actually much worse for me when I was pumping but it did happen some while actually feeding. The act filled my with anxiety and melancholy. Sometimes I felt like I wanted to be ANYWHERE but right there doing THAT. For me, it subsided on it's own and went away at between 4 & 4.5months. And luckily it was replaced by that "Aaah" feeling. Which has been very helpful. But overall I think that it has to do with the overwhelming amount of hormones that are present right after giving birth and your body getting used to the constant release of Oxcytocin. In my case, after my body got used to the hormone, it started working the way you hear about. It calms and relaxes me. But it was not true at 1st. Tell her she is not alone, she is not crazy. It's a real condition that really happens and like many things that happen in the the 1st 6-12weeks in breastfeeding it WILL Pass. Help her stay focused. HTH!

[@llli*ak411]

Originalmente publicado por DJ's Mom

Hi. It's different than the baby blues. I suffered from the "letdown blues" and I know at least one other here did as well. The act filled my with anxiety and melancholy. Sometimes I felt like I wanted to be ANYWHERE but right there doing THAT. For me, it subsided on it's own and went away at between 4 & 4.5months. And luckily it was replaced by that "Aaah" feeling. Which has been very helpful. In my case, after my body got used to the hormone, it started working the way you hear about. It calms and relaxes me. But it was not true at 1st.

Wow...Thank you to the OP and for this post! I have been pretty upset with myself since DD2 was born. I had no idea this was a "condition." I've even done some research and haven't been able to find anything on it and feel/felt too ashamed to say anything to anyone b/c I thought I was the only who experiences this. When DD2 nurses I actually become angry and quite anxious. I experienced this with DD1 off & on, but mostly I had the "aaah" feeling with her. It seems to be taking a long time for my body to adjust this time around.

Please let your friend know she is not alone & I hope she feels better soon!

[louisef]

thanks everyone i am going to the hospital to meet up with her later will take your replies in for her to read i am sure they will help.
Louise

[jkendall]

Thank you for this post...I have had the same feelings since giving birth when I breastfeed...my son is 5 weeks old and I have almost broken down and given him formula several times b/c i feel like a horrible mother when I am angry while he is feeding! Breatfeeding has been painful thus far and I cross my fingers that it gets better soon...perhaps that will help! Stick with it and in time it will get better...it has to right?!?

[bellasmama]

I can't personally give any advice on this subject, but I will say that I have read several posts on this forum describing the EXACT same thing! You are NOT alone! They all describe the exact same feelings... It's almost textbook! I'm sure you'll get the help you need here!

[@llli*chrislix]

Happened to me too, was wondering why. Glad you posted.

[@llli*madame.ovary]

That sounds like dysphoric milk ejection reflex (d-mer). There's a website about it here.