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?
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
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!!
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
Thankfully my DH is great to talk to, and thankfully he will listen to just about anything... Its just that neither one of us knew if it were normal, if others experienced what I am feeling, and if it were somthing that requires talking to someone about.
I agree bfing is hard work, yet it also a joy (when these feelings dont come on!)
This is not very common, but some mums do experience such feelings. As you suspect it is related to the hormone release. Most mums who have symptoms in the early days find they ease. I am not sure if there is anything you can do. Sometimes there are herbal remedies to help with anxiety so this might be something to look into.
Justine, I've read an article in Essence magazine about a 'condition' for want of a better word, the name of which I cannot for the life of me remember! But there was a personal story from a woman who said she felt utter despair as her milk let down, then she would gradually gain control of her emotions again and talk herself into realising that things were ok and she could cope. I can't imagine having to go through this every time I breastfed (particularly cause P seems like she's always attached to my boobs), so I really feel for you. You are certainly not alone - there are others out there who experience a similar thing.
Know that you're doing such a wonderful thing for your baby by sticking it out - I really admire you. Take care.
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). May not be exactly what you're experiencing, but at least you know there are people out there who are going through something similar.
Hi;
Snacks that is really interesting. Of course I googled it and read a little about it... Sounds similar to what is happening to me, but I think by the sounds of things its no where near as bad as what other bfing mums seem to get.
Thank you manta, I will have a look in the chemist when it opens after all these public holidays we're having!
Its kinda strange, for me it doesnt turn me off feeding bub; instead it kind of gets my mind going and I just cannot relax whilst feeding.
On the upside as of today, it all seems to be fading... Maybe all I needed was to voice my question for it to ease.
Either way thank you all so much! I'll keep you posted as to how it goes~!!
Reply With Quote
You were RAK'ed in 2015.
Is this normal
I really don't know, just my theory
Bookmarks