Does stress cause Breast milk to dry up?

Question

Does stress cause Breast milk to dry up? I have been under alot of stress lately, so much stress and anxiety that Im making myself sick, not by choice, but I dont know how to get things off my mind. Im scared that by all the stress that my milk might dry up, and my daughter is 7 weeks old and I wont be able to give her the nurishment she needs. If my milk does start to dry up how can I get it back up again?

Signed,

Worried mother.

Answer 1

It won't necessarily cause your milk to 'dry up' but the hormones released from your stress is definitely passed to your baby through the breast milk =[

You need to figure out whatever it is that is CAUSING the stress, and work on that before it becomes an even bigger problem. 'Stressing about your milk drying up' is even more stress; you don't need that right now ..

Whatever is going on in your life, you need to relax and not stress about it. I know a LOT of it has to do with hormones from having a new baby; that can throw things way off! You might want to talk to your OB or any Physician about your 'stress' and see if it's possible 'post-partum depression.' That is VERY common and can be treated either with time or medication ..

In the meantime, to keep your supply UP you should pump your breast milk between sessions; that will keep your supply up AND you'll have milk stored for use if for some reason your milk does dry up.

Congrats! on the baby! it DOES get better .. hang in there, Mommy!

God bless!

Answer 2

It doesn't cause your milk to dry up but it prevents the let down of milk... which in turns means bubs doesn't get as much milk and therefore you don't produce as much.

There are prescription meds which can combat this... maxalon and domperidone.... they prohibit the release of the hormone that prevent let down.

Or... non medication methods.... lots of pumping... pump after each feed, spend a day in bed with bubs and feed on demand with skin to skin contact... above all you need to fix the initial cause and try to stress less... maybe you need to speak to someone about it if it is that bad

Answer 3

Yes, stress can effect your breastfeeding and milk supply.

You can use herbs to help increase your milk supply. These include shatavari, goat's rue, nettle leaf, fennel and fenugreek. There are also many herbs that can help you to cope with stress.

Your nutritional status can also greatly effect your ability to cope with stress. Iron is the first thing that comes to mind here. Your body uses a lot of iron in pregnancy and you loose a bit of blood. You should have your iron levels tested. The normal range for ferritin (stored iron) for women is 15-200 (though this varies from one path. lab. to another) but I really like to see ferritin at atleast 50. If it's lower than this it may effect your ability to cope with stress, fight off infection and you will be low on energy. You also need to insure you are getting enough B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and protein as being low on these nutrients can lead to increased susceptibility to stress. Nutrition really does have a profound effect on your overall wellbeing AND your ability to breastfeed.

I strongly suggest you see a naturopath, herbalist or nutritionist to help you with your stress. It's not wise to self prescribe herbs or supplements.

Of course, being a new mum is very stressful and the sleep deprivation and hormonal rollercoaster does not help with this. Things WILL start to get normal again. It's early days yet. Please find some help so you can enjoy your baby.

Feel free to ask questions. I will be checking back :)

Answer 4

Stress can cause you to have problems letting down-which will make it hard for the baby to eat. You just have to be as calm as you can be while feeding, so the baby can get all she needs.

I also feed my baby, then pump until I can't pump anymore, which helps boost my supply. I know I'll be able to keep up with my baby's needs when he demands much more.

Hopefully you'll be able to get rid of the stress soon. The baby will be able to sense the stress and have issues because of THAT...research has been done on connecting the mother's emotions and reactions by the baby.

Answer 5

Stress can affect your milk supply which is why being relaxed makes you have more milk.  To get the supply back up you will need more frequent nursings or pumping to get it back up and try to find ways to destress.  

Answer 6

I have a low milk supply so this is what I have to do just to make enough for my baby. feed your baby then pump for 10-20 mins after. and know that your milk will start to go down around now as your body figures out how much your baby needs.