Breastfeeding Agitation: What It Is And How To Behave

Breastfeeding agitation is a pathology that can appear in the breastfeeding woman; causes discomfort and including refusal to breastfeed the baby.

Breastfeeding agitation involves a strong sense of guilt in the mother, for the desire to stop breastfeeding the baby.

It is considered one of the worst situations a mother can experience, as it is completely irrational. It happens that the woman feels an irrepressible feeling of stopping breastfeeding.

In other cases it can happen because breastfeeding becomes particularly annoying; especially when practicing tandem breastfeeding.

However, with the right support and compromises, this challenge can also be overcome.

Breastfeeding agitation: why does it happen?

Although there are many theories about it, no cause has been identified for the mother’s refusal to breastfeed.

What is certain is that negative emotions mainly arise when the baby latches on to the mother’s chest in an anxious way. 

Generally, these feelings disappear as soon as the baby stops feeding.

8 Tips for Combating Breastfeeding Agitation

Practicing the following tips will help you combat breastfeeding agitation:

1. Look for distractions

Most mothers who have experienced this disorder report that getting distracted is the most important thing to overcome this challenge.

You don’t have to give up on this situation. For this you have to make an effort to think of something else. Your mind needs to be busy and clear so that you can reason rationally.

2. Rest well

Getting enough sleep and good rest is essential during this period. Fatigue can make breastfeeding aversion worse.

In these moments you have to be careful and think about yourself. Try to rest at all times when the baby allows you.

3. Avoid stressful situations

You must avoid any situation that causes you stress. This is a complicated time for you, in which you will first have to keep calm.

Therefore controlling the stress levels in your life will affect your feelings.

Having more organization, such as planning the week, will help prevent any situation from getting out of your control.

4. Feed and hydrate properly

Never skip meals, no matter how busy the baby keeps you. Likewise, it is important that you are well hydrated. It is advisable to drink cold water and soft drinks often.

5. Avoid tandem breastfeeding

If you practice tandem breastfeeding, we advise you not to breastfeed your little ones two at a time.

The feeling of discomfort may increase if you breastfeed simultaneously.

6. Consider a possible weaning

In a way, breastfeeding agitation may represent your body’s response to the pain of breastfeeding.

As the pregnancy progresses, the hormones change to prepare the body for it to feel that it is time to wean the baby.

If you think the time has come, consult a specialist to find out how to implement it progressively.

7. Normalize the situation

You must try to normalize the situation and convert guilt into positive feelings. You are neither the first nor the last mother to suffer from this disorder.

Also for this reason, do not think that you are a bad mother just for having considered stopping breastfeeding the baby.

8. Share your experience

First, you need to share your experience with your partner and instead avoid keeping all these feelings to yourself.

It will be very important to externalize your emotions to loved ones so that they can understand how you feel and maybe try to help you.

It is also positive to compare yourself with other people who may have experienced the same discomfort and can advise you.

As always, maintaining dialogue with a specialist can only help you.

Therefore try to approach this situation as something you are able to overcome.

Maintaining a positive attitude, being distracted and having the support of loved ones will help you overcome this obstacle as well.