Types of Breastfeeding Aversion

What is Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation (BAA)?

“BAA is a phenomenon that occurs in some women who breastfeed, whereby breastfeeding triggers negative emotions.” (Yate, 2017) Often, mothers experience intrusive thoughts and emotions like anger, disgust, and agitation while baby is latched. They may also feel a powerful urge to stop breastfeeding, want to escape or run away from breastfeeding, and experience the feeling of being “touched out.” The negative feelings normally cease once the baby is unlatched. Often, the mother can feel shame and guilt afterwards. Breastfeeding aversion happens often with pregnant mothers and mothers who are tandem nursing a toddler and an infant.

What About When the Aversion Feels More Like Depression (D-MER)?

In rare cases, Breastfeeding Aversion can feel severe. “Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) is an abrupt emotional "drop" that occurs in some women just before milk release and continues for not more than a few minutes.” (Heise, 2011) Contrary to what most might think, D-MER is not a psychological response, but is actually a physiological response that seems to be tied to a sudden decrease in dopamine immediately before milk let down. The negative feelings are similar to BAA, but much more severe. These feelings include depression, anxiety, homesickness, agitation or anger. Another difference between D-MER and BAA is the feelings associated with D-MER should only last a few minutes, while the negative feelings associated with BAA can last the entire duration of the nursing session.

Research on BAA and D-MER are both limited, but the body of research is growing. Most current research is addressing the existence of aversion. More information is needed on the causes and treatment for aversion.

Looking for lactation support? Get in touch! ❤️