Breastfeeding, while natural, can present unexpected challenges, and nausea is a common symptom for many new mothers. This sensation, sometimes called “nursing sickness,” can range from mild queasiness to intense sickness. Understanding its underlying reasons can help mothers navigate this period with greater ease.
Physiological Explanations for Nausea
Hormonal shifts significantly contribute to nausea during breastfeeding. Oxytocin, the “let-down hormone,” stimulates milk ejection and uterine contractions. This hormone can also influence digestive tract smooth muscle, potentially causing discomfort or queasiness. Prolactin drives milk production and contributes to lactation’s metabolic demands.
Maintaining stable blood sugar is challenging during lactation due to high energy expenditure for milk synthesis. The body diverts glucose for milk production, leading to rapid drops in maternal blood sugar, especially if meals are skipped or inadequate. These fluctuations can cause lightheadedness, fatigue, and nausea.
Increased fluid needs during lactation mean even mild dehydration can trigger sickness. Breast milk is primarily water, and daily production (750-1,200 ml) significantly increases fluid requirements. Insufficient fluid intake can cause headache and nausea. Fatigue, common among new mothers due to sleep deprivation, can lower the body’s tolerance to stressors, increasing nausea susceptibility.
Managing Nausea While Breastfeeding
To counteract fluctuating blood sugar, consume small, frequent meals. Opt for nutrient-dense foods that release energy slowly, such as whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, to maintain stable glucose levels. Keep easily accessible snacks like nuts, fruit, or crackers nearby to prevent blood sugar drops before or during feeding sessions.
Staying well-hydrated is important for mitigating nausea, given increased fluid loss through milk production. Regularly sip water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-rich fluids throughout the day and during nursing sessions to prevent dehydration. Carrying a water bottle can support consistent fluid intake.
Prioritizing rest whenever possible helps manage fatigue that exacerbates nausea. Even short naps or periods of relaxation can improve overall well-being. Finding comfortable breastfeeding positions that support the back and neck can reduce physical strain and contribute to a more relaxed state, potentially easing discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While nausea during breastfeeding is often a benign, temporary issue, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable in some instances. If nausea is persistent, severe, or significantly interferes with daily activities or food intake, medical evaluation is warranted. This is particularly important if the nausea is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Symptoms such as fever, vomiting, dizziness, or unexplained weight loss alongside nausea should prompt immediate medical attention. These signs could indicate an underlying condition or a more severe issue like dehydration. Any general feeling of unwellness that persists despite self-care strategies warrants discussion with a doctor to rule out other causes.
Citations
Prolactin. Cleveland Clinic.
Oxytocin. Cleveland Clinic.
Hypoglycemia. Mayo Clinic.
Dehydration. Mayo Clinic.
Nausea and Vomiting. Mayo Clinic.