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Expert Q&A

	By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant

I am breastfeeding my 2-week-old baby girl. At first, she had difficulty latching onto my nipples, but we tried and tried until she was able to latch on. Every time I breastfeed, I get so depressed and sad. Is this postpartum depression or my hormones acting up?

It must be puzzling and worrisome to have these kind of feelings just when things seem to be getting better in your nursing experience. I have done a little research, and I have found some anecdotal stories of moms who experienced the same kind of feelings when the tidal wave of hormones swept through as their milk was letting down. It is not well understood at this time. However, those mothers felt that the sad feelings were worse when they were tired and run-down and better at other times. All of the mothers said that the feeling diminished over time and did not last the whole time that they were breastfeeding. Perhaps watching your diet to make sure you are nourishing yourself well and resting frequently throughout the day when your baby naps will make a difference for you. I hope so!

I sometimes experienced waves of nausea when my milk would let down. It would last less than a minute, and it didn't happen every time. We do know that the hormones are very powerful in the early weeks after delivery. I have been told that moms who feel nausea will do much better if they drink a glass of water before beginning to breastfeed. I wish I had known at the time so I could have tried that myself. I wish you well and feel happy that you have worked out your latch-on problems with your daughter.

Sincerely,
Ann Calandro, RNC, IBCLC

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