What is Lactation Agression?
New mom who is currently breastfeeding and you are very easily irritated, overwhelmed, and or a bit agressive while breastfeeding? That, babe, could be lactation aggression 😬
What is Lacation Agression? Well, its a phenomenon where you experience increased feelings of agression and hostility during or after a breastfeeding session.
Oh my. That sounds kinda scary.. So what are the causes?
⛔️Hormonal Changes
⛔️Stress and Fatigue
⛔️Lack of Sleep
So what can you do about it?
You can talk to your doctor either your PCP or OBGYN and let them know how you have been feeling.
Try to work on better sleep.
Ask for help.
Will you have this with every baby?
Not necessarily. I had it with my second child but not my first or third.
You will be okay if this is you and your not alone🫶🏽
Lactation aggression is a lesser-known but important experience that some new mothers encounter during breastfeeding. This phenomenon involves heightened feelings of aggression, irritability, or hostility that arise during or after nursing sessions. While it can feel alarming, it's a natural response influenced primarily by hormonal shifts, fatigue, and the overwhelming demands of new motherhood. Hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin, which support milk production and bonding, also affect mood and emotional regulation. When combined with sleep deprivation and stress, these hormonal effects may lead to lactation aggression. It's crucial for mothers experiencing these feelings to understand that they are not alone, and this condition does not imply any inadequacy or failure in caregiving. Addressing lactation aggression involves several supportive strategies. Communicating openly with healthcare providers like your primary care physician or OBGYN about your emotions can help identify if there are underlying health issues or if counseling might be beneficial. Improving sleep hygiene is vital, though challenging, so consider enlisting support from family, friends, or community resources to share baby care responsibilities. Practical steps include creating a calm breastfeeding environment, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques before feeding, and ensuring proper nutrition and hydration. These measures help reduce stress and fatigue, which are key contributors to aggressive feelings. Importantly, lactation aggression does not necessarily occur with every baby and may vary from person to person as seen by individual experiences. Many mothers find that these feelings diminish over time as they adjust to their new routine. Remember, seeking help and sharing your feelings is a sign of strength and a step toward better emotional health for both you and your baby. By understanding lactation aggression, new moms can foster compassion for themselves, recognize when to get support, and maintain a positive breastfeeding relationship despite these challenges.