Is this normal

[beansbeans!]

Hi all;

Just me again with another question.. Although this question I have had since DD1 was born!

OK so everytime I sit down to feed DD2 I start to get anxious and emotional. Sometimes I feel like I can't stay still, or I have a flood of emotion that feels like it just needs to come out for no reason. Overall its hard to explain, and the emotional bit doesn't worry me that much its more the anxious feelings that I get. I had this with DD1 for about the 1st six months then it went away, and now I have it again with DD2...

Is it normal to have this response to bfeeding? Or should I see someone?


Cheers

Justine

[lindsaymaree]

Hi Beans, sorry no advice as I haven't actually breastfed before, just wanted to give

[Fleur]

Hi beansbeans,
yep I had a similar thing with DS1, I actually weaned very early because of it & went onto anti-depressants. With DS2 I didn't experience it so much and I fed him for 14 mths. With this bub I have ended up expressing full-time, not physically BFing but I still get this feeling sometimes while I am expressing. Sometimes it's anxiety, sometimes just a wash of 'feelings'.

I put it down to a hormonal surge - like maybe the milk let-down triggers something that causes that flood of emotions / anxiety? I really don't know, just my theory

This time around, rather than weaning I am riding it out. I would prefer to push through it than stop feeding her - it doesn't last too long & I am handling it ok.
If it gets too much it would be worth talking to your GP, I know there are medications you can take while BFIng & I would also be looking at natural remedies.

I really can't think of any other advice atm sorry! as I said I don't really know what it is - hopefully someone more knowledgable will be in! but just wanted to let you know that you're not the only one

[beansbeans!]

Thank you girls!

jasp- Thank you I'm so glad that I'm not the only one! Normal or not I'm not the only one now! I ended up feeding DD1 for 20months, and I hope to go as far this time round with DD2; the feelings seem to subside eventually, and until then I suppose I'll push through it. And normally if it gets to be too much I end up just having a little break from feeding bub then going back after 5mins. Thankfully she doesnt seem to mind that much!!


Cheers

Justine

[Fleur]

Wow, that's awesome that you were able to push through & feed your DD1 for that long. Fingers crossed you can do it again; you sound as though you are doing a great job so far

[Ellee05]

I get this too occassionaly. Normally if I'm really exhausted or if DD has been feeding aaaallllll day.

You could talk to someone, as if you are feeling down its best to get on top of it now. bfing is hard work!