Panic Attacks Mastitis Breastfeeding

[cookiemon1]

Hi I had a baby boy 6 weeks ago and wondered if anyone has advice for me. Had breastfeeding problems from the start and by 10 days I had severe nipple damage and mastitis. That is when the panic attacks started. I have always been a bit of a worrier and nervous type of person but I am really frightened by how I am feeling at the moment. GP has prescribed me some beta blockers for now. I was really worried about getting ill with mastitis again and that has now happened, which was great for my anxiety!! I am not sure if all my anxiety stems from the breastfeeding but I have decided to stop and see if that helps improve how I am feeling. Is that a good idea? I also feel very overwhelmed by the responsibility of a new baby and get anxious a lot of the time. This goes straight to my stomach to the point where food is just going straight through me - especially in the mornings. I just want to feel normal again - does anyone have advice or has experienced something similar?

Hi, my panic attacks are very similar to this I really feel for you as it's such an awful feeling. Speak to your midwife/health visitor as they can be a symptom of postnatal depression, breastfeeding is very hard in the first few months especially if you've had problems. Your hormones will still be unsteady so that could be upsetting you, also if your blood sugar falls it can bring on similar symptoms to a panic attack. If you are still feeling ill with them after stopping breastfeeding then please go see your doctor as they can really get out of control in some cases.

Practical stuff, chammomile tea is good for relaxing you, also control your breathing, breathe in for 4 and out for 6 or breathe into a paperbag to help the symptoms ease.