By Angy Esteves

Breastfeeding is a natural and rewarding experience, providing both nutritional and emotional benefits for the mother and the baby. However, it can become a significant challenge when the mother faces stressful and anxious situations. The success of breastfeeding can not be considered in isolation without considering the context in which it develops, nor can we forget the influence of other aspects, such as maternal behavior and psychological or psychosocial factors that can affect the success of breastfeeding.  

Perinatal psychology has much to contribute to the breastfeeding process for two main reasons. First, due to the dyad interaction, and second for the role hormones play, such as the main hormones like oxytocin and prolactin that conduct breastfeeding. (Carter and Altemus, 1977)

Oxytocin is known as the “love or happiness hormone” and plays a crucial role in milk expression during breastfeeding, while prolactin is the main hormone responsible for milk production in the mammary glands.  However,  stress and anxiety can significantly impact the production and release of breast milk, the mother’s interaction with her baby, and make breastfeeding uncomfortable and difficult. In fact, authors Ingram, Johnson, and Greenwood (2002) reveal that a lack of pain should be part of the definition of successful breastfeeding, as pain can be considered an indicator of postpartum depression. 

The postpartum period is a time of great vulnerability for mothers. It is a time of major physical and emotional challenges that can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety, which may be intensified by the responsibility of caring for a newborn, breastfeeding, and meeting societal and personal expectations. 

Breastfeeding can be a joyful time, but it can also be affected by stressful factors that may prevent it. These can include maternal or infant health problems, lack of social and family support, limited access to lactation consultants, financial difficulties, relationship problems, living in poverty, or overcrowded conditions, residing in an unsafe environment with noise and other disturbances, cultural norms that view public breastfeeding as abnormal and stigma associated with it, as well as social pressure to meet expectations among others.

Having effective stress and anxiety management skills during the breastfeeding period is crucial for improving both the mother’s well-being and the breastfeeding experience. The ability to face and overcome these emotional challenges not only benefits the mother’s mental health but also facilitates a deeper and more meaningful connection with the baby. Here are some practical strategies that can be helpful for breastfeeding mothers experiencing stress and anxiety, providing comprehensive support during this challenging period.

Education: Information is power. It is vital to learn about breastfeeding, whether through a lactation consultant, attending prenatal classes, support groups, reading books, listening to a podcast, or asking your pediatrician. 

Support network: A support network is crucial for breastfeeding. This can include family, friends, other mothers going through the same experience, and health professionals. 

Relaxation techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided meditation, or taking time for a warm bath to relax muscles and improve circulation. 

Self-care: It is important to rest, eat a balanced diet, exercise and get plenty of sleep

Professional counseling: If you feel unable to handle certain breastfeeding or motherhood issues, seeking a perinatal psychologist can provide you with personalized strategies and a safe space to express doubts, concerns, and worries. 

In conclusion, breastfeeding in stressful situations presents unique challenges that go beyond physical and emotional problems. Stress management strategies offer practical tools to decrease anxiety and improve overall well-being. Recognizing and addressing stress not only facilitates breastfeeding success but also contributes to the general well-being of both mother and baby.

About the Author

Angy Esteves

Angy Esteves is a mother of five – two in heaven and three on earth. She works as a clinical, social, and perinatal psychologist, specializing in prenatal and postpartum psychoanalytic interventions. Angy also supports unexpected pregnancies related to vulnerability, poverty, and social exclusion, including immigration. Her approach is therapeutic, humanistic, logotherapeutic, and perinatal ecosystemic in nature. Angy integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy with psycho-educational strategies and uses acceptance and commitment therapy and narrative therapy. Angy created the first perinatal bereavement room at the Hospital Materno Infantil San Lorenzo de Los Mina in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She is the executive director of the Fundación Centro de Atención a la Mujer Embarazada (Pregnant Women’s Care Center Foundation), where she provides interventions to the most vulnerable population in her country. She is also the founder of the Asociación Dominicana de Psicología Perinatal (Dominican Association of Perinatal Psychology), where she trains health professionals with two main objectives: to change the approach to childbirth and to humanize perinatal death. Angy is also part of a church community where she serves her community and helps the less fortunate. @angyesteveza

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