Feeling of sadness while pumping/breastfeeding?

[Phantom]

I have depression and anxiety. But I've noticed that when I pump or nurse my 2 week old daughter, I get this feeling of emptiness. I get really sad. Is there a hormone that is released while breast feeding?

 

[mummytobe_93]

I'm sorry you're feeling like this. I'm not sure about the hormone that is released during breastfeeding,but I was just wondering why you are pumping is it for supply and storage? Also, have you had any problems with breast feeding pain or problems with latch etc?

When I first had my daughter I found breast feeding really hard and was constantly pumping at the start and giving bottles because I struggled. It got me so down and I felt like I couldn't enjoy my daughter because I was constantly pumping and stressing about feeding her. It took a month or so and I found it so much easier to breast feed and I now throroughly enjoy it. I do give her bottles from time too time so I can get a bit of 'me' time x

 

[dinkery]

I believe oxytocin is supposed to be released while breastfeeding/pumping. And oxytocin should make you feel happy. I felt the way you did, though, every time I pumped. Pretty certain it's why my milk dried up.

 

[TTLiveADream]

I could have written this myself...

You are not alone. However, I can't give you much advice. I never told my doctor about it or anyone else. I remember it going away around the 5 week mark. I would literally cry the whole time but I tried to keep in mind that the feeling would go away when we were done.

Big hugs to you! I hope it goes away for you soon!

 

[Lady_Bee]

Look up D-MER... Dysphoric milk ejection reflex. It is not common but yes it is a hormonal response. It's true that oxytocin usually makes us feel happy and relaxed but for some women the letdown causes an empty homesick type feeling instead. I'm sorry you're dealing with this Maybe try posting on the bf forum? I'm sure there must be other women who are dealing with D-MER and can offer advice or support.

 

[pinklizzy]

Look up D-MER... Dysphoric milk ejection reflex. It is not common but yes it is a hormonal response. It's true that oxytocin usually makes us feel happy and relaxed but for some women the letdown causes an empty homesick type feeling instead. I'm sorry you're dealing with this Maybe try posting on the bf forum? I'm sure there must be other women who are dealing with D-MER and can offer advice or support.

I can't believe I just read this! Homesick is exactly how I felt whenever I fed or expressed and I just never realised it was a real 'thing'. Even though I found breastfeeding painful (little boy has a posterior tongue tie that was missed), I would sit with tears rolling down my face because I felt so miserable. I'm still really sad that it didn't work for me again but it's made me feel a bit less like a failure.

 

[OnyxSnowfall]

Wow. I experience this too (and have with every child I've breastfed).

I have no advice either (sadly) - I just eagerly wait for the icky feelings to pass.

I have felt similarly sometimes after orgasm - I do think it's hormonal.

--- going to research D-MER, thank you for posting about it!

 

[HBGirl]

I get this occasionally but I think its more to do with worry for DD's health issues.

 

[Night Flower]

Oxytocin and Prolactin are released I think.

I breastfeed and pump feed and supplemental feed too. I dont make enough for my overdue baby. She seems starved after she nurses both breasts and I pump the last 15ML. So she gets a small amount of formula mixed with what I pump. I dont feel emptiness. So I dont think its directly related to having to pump. I know our bodies go through a huge huge hormone change after birth. Try to think of the beautiful thoughts and moment you've had with your baby when you breastfeed or pump.

 

[mommyharris]

Hmm. We do have erratic hormones especially after childbirth. Just try to think happy thoughts about you and your baby while pumping. Take supplements like fenugreek to boost milk supply.