Possible silly question of the day: can emotions inhibit breastfeeding?

[glastochick]

DS is 3 days old and DH has been admitted to hospital with a suspected gall bladder infection, so on my own with him. Am struggling with feeding and getting the latch right, which is frustrating for DS and I'm finding myself getting upset. Now rather emotional and missing DH incredibly, and getting myself worried that this is going to affect my ability to feed DS....

Please reassure me that we're not in for a nightmare night

It can inhibit the letdown

early days bf my ds were sometimes fraught

I used to act as though I were calm until I actually was calm

good luck to your dh and congratulations on the birth of your ds

Thanks Chibi. OK, think calm and I will be calm. Repeat to self as often as necesseary.

DW gave a resounding yes and I remember it being true of her. She had to get calm and disappear into herself at times to do it which in turn helped with the bonding process.

Poor you, what a nightmare!

I believe the science says that letdown could be inhibited if you are in full-scale fight-or-flight mode - think real panicking, heart pumping, that sort of thing.

But assuming that's not the case, and if you are struggling with latching, then you need to concentrate on practical issues - abstract worries like this are not going to help you at all. From a breastfeeding, p.o.v., much more important than your emotional state are considerations such as ...

• Making sure DS is getting a big mouthful of breast - getting him to open his mouth really wide
• Feeding on cue, not waiting til he's upset
• Trying a few different positions til you find a comfortable one. For tonight, you probably want to try lying down!

The best of luck and I really hope your DH gets well soon ...

Sorry to hear about your dh.

Is there anyone with you? When do you next see the midwife?

Human beings have been exposed to stress for all of history, and stress in the long term should not effect breastfeeding - women in concentration camps etc have been able to breastfeed.

But as your baby is just three days old, I think you need someone with you to make sure you are alright and expert breastfeeding advice from a midwife.