Effect of stress on breastfeeding

Stress can have a  negative effect of breastfeeding . It can slow down breastfeeding.  However as long as your continue  to breastfeed , stress wont stop milk production. Breastfeeding also reduces stress and negative moods. Nursing can actually help you go through stress.

During breastfeeding, a hormone known as oxytocin is released into your blood stream. This hormone has a calming effect and can make a stressed mom feel more relaxed.

When the nursing mom relaxes , milk starts to flow again. Since  its the baby’s sucking that stimulates milk production, a mother who continues to breastfeed is likely to produce more milk.

However some studies have also indicated that stress can  slow the release of oxytocin into the bloodstream. If your milk supply is dwindling because of stress, relaxation is the key.