by Claire Connolly

Created on: July 18, 2008

Stress and motherhood often seem to go together hand in hand. No matter how joyous a time it is, there are always constant worries and problems that haunt new mothers in particular and this is without added concerns such as relationships, money matters and running a household. A breastfeeding mother should be calm, relaxed and stress free but unfortunately that just isn't how it works. Can stress affect breast milk production? The simple answer is yes. Stress can have negative effects on the production of breast milk but that does not mean that it will. Mothers are well-equipped to deal with high stress situations whether they know it or not and the body goes a long way to ensure the survival of its offspring. Our bodies work overtime to deal with whatever is thrown at them which is reassuring but not exactly something to depend on. Women tend to be affected by stress in different ways and some find absolutely no negative effects on their breast milk production while stressed. Others are not so lucky but a bit of information goes a long way and it is vital that they realize they are not doing anything wrong, their bodies are simply having a natural reaction to stress.

Stress can affect breast milk production by inhibiting the "let down" reflex. The milk is still being produced but the tensions in the mother somehow prevent the milk from being adequately released. Both baby and mother can find this turn of events frustrating to say the least. This in turn can lead to more stress as the mother worries about her sudden loss of milk and how her child will cope. Are they even getting enough milk? Will they lose weight? Between the initial stress and the guilt caused by the consequences, the milk supply can lessen considerably. Mothers may then use formula to supplement their child's diet which in turn can lessen the production of breast milk as the baby is not latching onto the mother's breast as frequently. It's a vicious circle but one that so many breastfeeding mothers must endure. It's important to continue breastfeeding as normal so the body will readjust itself and continue producing breast milk even after the initial effects of stress have calmed down.

Subconsciously, our worries can affect how our bodies work in many different ways so it is no wonder that the production of breast milk can be so easily diminished by a stressful few weeks or months. Fortunately, these effects are not necessarily permanent, particularly if the mother is able to push forward with her efforts to breastfeed. It may be a temporary lapse and can be worked through. The main thing for a breastfeeding mother to remember is to look after herself. If she isn't happy and healthy then she will find it harder to keep her child happy and healthy too. Taking part in as many relaxing activities as possible and trying to keep stress at arm's length is something that all breastfeeding mothers should consider for both themselves and their babies.

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