Nursing aversion and mental health

[ElephantsInYork]

Hello everyone,

I don't know if this has been posted to the correct topic or not but I could really do with some help or advice as the information online more so acknowledges the problem as opposed to providing any advice.
For some background info, I am currently 27 weeks pregnant with my second and still breastfeeding my 2.5 year old (comfort feeding only.) I have with this pregnancy faced some minor depression but nothing that isn't manageable. I also add that I have been fortunate enough to not encounter any difficulties relating to breastfeeding.
This has recently turned on it's head as in the last two weeks whenever my DS is breastfeeding, I am extremely irritable, angry and resentful, with my overriding thought to immediately unlatch him. This sudden change to my personality is absolutely frightening and makes me feel extremely guilty and shameful and quite frankly I don't like the person that it turns me into. It is extremely detrimental to my mental health.
This has been quite difficult for me to admit to, and I have next to no support from my partner who insists that I should have started weaning much sooner (which I had previously tried to do so the previous year and at the start of pregnancy.) My HV is MIA and my mother or friends have never experienced anything like it.
I guess what I am wanting to know if anyone else has had any experiences with this and what practices did you use to manage it or even if anyone was able to go completely cold turkey.

I apologise for the length of my post but thank you in advance for anyone who comes across this.

This is a complete guess but could it be your mind and body's way of preparing for the overriding needs of the new arrival? A bit like a bird tipping the young out of the nest to make room for new eggs to be laid?

Nursing aversion is absolutely a thing and often it crops up in pregnancy. There is some advice on sites such as le leche league- but I I recommend reaching our to your midwife as well who can hopefully support you or signpost you to where you can get some support. It won't be the first time they have had someone approach them for help. Sounds like you're doing great though and it's fab you've reached out.

This is very very common in pregnancy i think. If your toddler is 2.5 now is a pretty good time to wean - you want to do it soon, or they'll associate no more BF with the new baby which could exacerbate feelings of being pushed out.

Explain that the milk is nearly all gone, say this every feed for a few days, then have one last feed with the "very last bit" and then say it's all gone every time she asks and offer something else instead, maybe a sip of water out of a special new cup, and a special cuddle.

@Groovybic

Thank you for getting back to me, I'm due to see my midwife in a little over a week so I'll definitely let her know. I'm just hoping it won't be like the other midwife who thought that tandem feeding was a fantastic idea 🙄

@MolliciousIntent

Thank you for getting back to me and for your suggestion. I'll definitely try those suggestions myself. I've giving myself and my DS 2-3 weeks to finally get the matter sorted so it can hopefully be done gradually.

I’m pretty sure it’s a very common “thing” as I’ve seen it before on the breastfeeding boards. Maybe try the breastfeeding/extended feeding section on here, they’ll probably have better advice!

Hi! Look up Dysphoric milk ejection reflex - might be what you’re experiencing?? Xx

Perinatal depression is depression that occurs during or after pregnancy. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. In rare cases, the symptoms are severe enough that the health of the mother and baby may be at risk. Perinatal depression can be treated.(mental health)