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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Breastfeeding and mood swings

11 replies

PhoebeLaura · 11/03/2011 20:52

I'm suffering from really extreme mood swings which seem to occur after breastfeeding. I've always suffered from low blood pressure and had problems with low blood sugar (feeling faint etc) and wonder if this is all linked - ie. whether the breastfeeding is just taking a lot out of me.

I just feel so extremely angry at times and although this could just be due to having a toddler and a 3 month old, it seems to happen shortly after each feed. Anyone experienced anything like this or know what I should do to help myself?

I'm thrilled that feeding DS2 is going great after a disaster with DS1 so don't want to have to stop...

OP posts:
Al1son · 11/03/2011 21:44

Have you considered that you could have post natal depression? It maybe that the slight dip in blood sugar from BFing is just enough to tip you over the edge because you're quite close to it already.

Apologies if I'm ridiculously wide of the mark. It's just that when I had it I looked for every reason under the sun for how I felt before my GP told me I had PND. He was right.

If you think it's a possibility you need ot go and see your GP asap.

If it is just your blood sugar dropping you should be able to ward it off with a sweet snack or drink while you're feeding.

Original poster
PhoebeLaura · 11/03/2011 21:59

Thanks for replying! I really don't think it is PND, I'm really loving having DS2 (he is an angelic baby Smile) and very happy 90% of the time - just seem to have these sudden dips.

Maybe I should try to up the chocolate biscuit intake whilst feeding...

Sorry to hear you had PND btw.

OP posts:
Albrecht · 11/03/2011 22:03

I have read on here about a rare condition / syndrome that can make some women feel very depressed after feeding but can't remember what its called. Sorry. Maybe someone will be along who knows more.

Do you feed at night - how do you feel then? Presuming the toddler is asleep and everything is a bit calmer.

Original poster
PhoebeLaura · 11/03/2011 22:21

Yes I feed at night and feel ok then - but then I go straight to sleep afterwards so I don't really have time to feel anything!

I've also been getting really dizzy since I had DS2, I wonder if it is all linked... I asked Dr about dizziness but she said not to worry.

I really could do with sorting it out though. I was such a cow after this evening's feed.

OP posts:
Albrecht · 11/03/2011 22:33

Well I think its good you do go straight to sleep - not lying awake raging away at the world! Have done that myself!

I'd go back to the doctor and try again. May be blood sugar, may be something else but they are there to help you.

Just a thought, is it maybe frustration at being pinned down to feeding and then when you are finished there are a million things that need doing? Although you say you are thrilled at the feeding going well so maybe not.

Al1son · 11/03/2011 22:49

Glad you're not feeling depressed. Keep an eye on it though if the dips continue.

Could it be dehydration? I know I often felt very thirsty part way through BFing. I used to kick myself for forgetting to get a drink before I started. DH used to get me one automatically when he was around.

Cymar · 12/03/2011 21:38

Albrecht the condition your talking about (I think) is called MERD. It usually happens in the first few minutes of latching on and symptoms can range from feeling mildly depressed to suicidal, depending on the severity. It can last anywhere from a few minutes from latch-on to a full feed. It's also to do with hormones.

Cymar · 12/03/2011 21:41

OP could you try having a drink and a bowl of porridge before you're due to feed to keep your sugar levels stable and have a glass beside you when feeding?

jandmmum · 13/03/2011 06:34

If you already have problems with low blood pressure it's even more important that you drink plenty whilst feeding and don't allow yourself to become dehydrated as this will drop your bp further and willl make you dizzy or even faint. A salty snack and a large glass of water with every feed should help. Something with a low GI like bananas will help with the blood sugar. The problem with having things like chocolate is that it raises your blood sugar quickly but then it will dip again quickly and big swings in blood sugar can also cause swings in mood. A bag of salted nuts might work for both problems as long as you drink plenty too. hth

Metalhead · 13/03/2011 12:59

I sometimes burst into tears for no good reason when feeding DD, though not at every feed, and I did have mild PND. Whatever it was, it seems to have sorted itself out now, but it probably lasted a good 6 months. Very odd, seeing as I'd only ever heard about the 'happy hormones' your body supposedly releases when your bfing.

Original poster
PhoebeLaura · 15/03/2011 22:12

Thanks for all the brilliant advice. I tried really hard to eat and drink more today, especially during feeds and did feel better and didn't have any major blow-ups. Weirdly I've been craving salted peanuts and bought a big bag this morning! I will also try to stick to low GI things (Just hiding the empty green and blacks wrapper under the cushion Grin). It's a bit tricky when the toddler wants to eat everything I have but I'll try the bananas which I'm happy for him to eat too. thanks everyone

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