Why does breastfeeding make me feel disgusting?
Michael King
Updated on February 27, 2026
Unwanted thoughts and emotions mostly surface when baby is latched onto the breast. These emotions include feeling anxious, agitated, angry, disgusted, or rageful. Many women then shameful or guilty for having these feelings. The thoughts or feelings brought on by BAA are specifically about breastfeeding.
Is it normal to be disgusted by breastfeeding?
In the experience of negative emotions whilst breastfeeding, yes. However, for mothers who experience BAA, there is often an overwhelming urge to de-latch the suckling infant, as once aversion hits it will not abate until the infant has stopped suckling.Why does breastfeeding make me mad?
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex or D-MER, is a collection of negative emotions—anxiety, depression, anger—experienced by some breastfeeding mothers just before they have a milk let-down (milk ejection reflex). These feelings last for a few minutes.How do you overcome aversion while breastfeeding?
“Try magnesium supplements (I like the spray or drink) and make sure you're getting enough other electrolytes and vitamins and water and sleep. This really helps with nursing aversion.” – Cassie J.What does breastfeeding aversion feel like?
Breastfeeding or Nursing Aversion (aversion) is when breastfeeding appears to trigger particular negative emotions like anger and agitation, skin-crawling sensations and an overwhelming urge to de-latch.Weird / Anxious Feeling while Breastfeeding: What is D-MER?
Is it selfish to not want to breastfeed?
There are some moms who just don't want to breastfeed. These women are not selfish monsters who should have never had children. In fact, there is even research on their side that shows that some benefits of breastfeeding may have been exaggerated.How long does feeding aversion last?
With a feeding aversion, a child will reject certain foods due to an unpleasant stimulus associated with that food. It's been said that approximately 25 to 35 percent of children ranging from newborn to 12 months old, struggle with an aversion to food.What does breast refusal look like?
A baby's refusal to suck at the breast is a most distressing problem to a breastfeeding mother. She cannot help feeling upset when her baby screams and turns away from her breast. She may feel that her baby is rejecting her as a mother and doesn't want her, need her, or even like her very much.How long does it take to enjoy breastfeeding?
MYTH: Don't worry if nursing isn't going well at first. It usually takes four to six weeks for breastfeeding to get well established.Are mood swings normal while breastfeeding?
Some are even surprised by the intensity of their emotions. The fact is, it's common to experience a bout of depression or mood swings after you've weaned from breastfeeding. These emotions can occur whether you've weaning voluntarily or reluctantly.Why do people criticize breastfeeding?
For many people and businesses who oppose nursing in public, the primary reason for their concern is decency. They feel that a woman's breast is a private part of her anatomy and that exposing it in public, even to feed a child, is morally wrong.When did breastfeeding get easier for you?
“The first four to six weeks are the toughest, then it starts to settle down,” says Cathy. “And when you get to three months, breastfeeding gets really easy – way easier than cleaning and making up a bottle. Just hang in there!”Can I breastfeed my husband during pregnancy?
Generally speaking, breastfeeding your husband or partner is OK. It's not perverted or wrong if you want the person you are intimate with to breastfeed, or if they ask to try breastfeeding or taste your breast milk.How many ounces is 15 minutes breastfeeding?
During the night time feeds I always offer both breasts for 15 minutes each to sustain him for longer stretches. I estimated that each breast produces about 2.5 ounces of milk at one feeding based on how much I get during my pumping sessions and after weighing him before and after a feed at my lactation class.Why do I hate breastfeeding?
Many mothers find they experience nursing aversion due to hormonal changes. Some mothers find they struggle around ovulation or during their period. For other mothers, a nursing aversion may be the first sign of pregnancy. Many mothers find nursing through pregnancy tough, and even painful.Why does my baby pull off the breast and cry?
Some babies pull off the breast crying due a fast or slow flow of breastmilk. If your baby pulls off your breast soon after your let-down (when milk begins to flow from your breast) and is coughing or gagging, you may have an overactive let-down reflex.How much milk should a 5 minute breastfed baby drink?
Some babies will get 60 to 150 ml (2 – 5 ounces) in five minutes time. However, some babies continue to take 20 to 40 minutes per feeding. Both types of babies are normal.Why does my baby acts hungry but won't latch?
Slow flowIf a fast letdown isn't the problem with your baby unlatching, perhaps a slow milk flow could be the issue. She could be tugging at your nipples in the hopes of getting more milk, especially if she's particularly hungry. One simple remedy is to switch sides.