Does stress affect my ability to "let down"?

Question

I am nursing (or trying to) my 3 week old son. At first he did great. He would latch right on and nurse just great. Now lately we have been having issues. He would suck a little and cry and then suck some more. This would go on for 10 to 15 mins. I just figured out I am not letting down. I have enough milk. I can pump out 4 ounces at a time. I am under a lot of stress. My 16 month old is in the ICU with pneumonia. We thought she was going to die. Could this stress cause my "let down" problems? Is there anything I can do? I am so frustrated that I am pumping and giving him bottles. I am ready to give up and give him formula. I don't need this added stress!

Answer 1

Stress can contribute to let down, however, I don't think that was the situation in your case.  He may be fussing because the milk IS coming.  Sometimes babies need to suck but not neccessarily eat.  My daughter would fuss for the breast and get mad when let down happened because she wasn't hungry, plain and simple.  She just wanted the comfort of her boobie.  Throw away the bottles and as long as your son is gaining weight trust your body and let him feed when he wants.  Try introducing a pacifier, but most breastfed babies don't like them, or see a lactation consultant.  Your doing so well, don't give up now!

Answer 2

I'm sorry you're dealing with your eldest being so poorly at the mo.  I hope she gets much better very soon.

Yes, stress can have a huge affect on your let down and your milk supply.

You could try putting a warm flannel on your boob before you express or taking a warm bath.  Also, you could try expressing lying down...not easy at all but supposed to be effective.

Answer 3

Stress definitely plays a part.  When I had to pump at work (elementary school), I would actually pump less when I could hear our male custodian in the hallway vacuuming.  I was too concerned with him accidentally walking in on me to pump an adequate amount.  

With YOUR stress, I'm sure it's even harder.  Ways to help yourself are to create as calming an atmosphere as possible.  Make sure you've got all the things you need with you before you start (receiving blanket, pacifier if you use one, etc.).  Keep the lights low, turn off the TV, turn on some relaxing music if you think it will help.  Focus on how sweet that baby boy of yours is and visualize the let down.  

I may get some flack for this, but if after trying some more to breastfeed you decide it's just too much for you right now, formula won't kill your son.  Definitely continue to try breastfeeding, and even pumping bottles instead if that's what gets you through...But don't think you're a horrible person if you decide to give him formula instead.  You're going to be no good to either of your kids if you're stressed out all the time, and both of them can sense it.  

One thing you might consider is pumping bottles for now and then trying to resume regular breastfeeding when your daughter gets better.  You could also supplement a bottle a day of formula and continue breastfeeding.  

I wish your family the best and hope that your daughter has a quick and comfortable recovery!

Answer 4

Stress can definitely affect your letdown.  I had a terrible time with my third baby.  He spent his days screaming and puking (food allergies) and my c-section incision was infected and I had to travel to the OB's office an hour away every other day, plus my two older kids were acting out, I assume from jealousy and lack of attention.  I was so stressed that when I nursed it would take 30-45 minutes for my milk to let down and at least an hour when I pumped.  And since I wasn't letting down and emptying my b*****s often enough, my milk supply diminished.  

I'm pregnant now and have talked to my midwife about my worries of a repeat of this.  She says that she can get some pitocin and put it in a saline solution and I can use it as a nasal spray.  One squirt and my milk will immediately let down.  She's going to have this little concoction ready for me when I have my c-section in a couple months just in case I need it.  If all the other tips you get don't help (warm showers and breast massage didn't help me) then ask your OB about this.  Good luck, and I hope your daughter gets better soon!