Breastfeeding can sometimes bring about unexpected sensations, including breastfeeding feeling nauseous. It can be strange to most mothers, but it is a common condition brought by hormonal changes that affect the mother's body or even the body’s natural response to milk let-down. Understanding the potential causes of this nausea is essential for managing it effectively. In this article, we delve into the underlying causes of nausea during breastfeeding and provide practical advice to help mothers overcome this discomfort while ensuring a positive breastfeeding journey.
Is it Common to Feel Nauseous During Breastfeeding?
Nausea while breastfeeding is relatively uncommon compared to other breastfeeding problems or postpartum symptoms. It is not often encountered; therefore, it's not part of the typical phenomenon experienced by breastfeeding mothers. The occurrence of nausea among breastfeeding may vary from one person to another and can be attributed to several factors, including hormonal changes, individual sensitivity, as well as other health conditions.
Why Do I Feel Sick When Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish your baby, but some mothers experience unexpected challenges, such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, or flu-like symptoms, leaving them wondering why they feel unwell while nursing. The following are the possible reasons for feeling sick while breastfeeding:
- Iron Deficiency
Certain women are more predisposed to iron deficiency, while others tend to lose a great deal of iron with the blood lost during delivery. The resultant decrease in the body's iron levels results in dizziness and nausea, especially when a woman is breastfeeding.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Post-pregnancy women always fall victim to urine tract infections because of many changes in the body both when pregnancy is in its last stages and after giving birth. Although UTIs usually cause a burning sensation during urination, nausea is also another symptom in some women.
- Postpartum Depression
At this time, the emotional highs of pregnancy may wear off for some women, resulting in postpartum depression. The doctor can prescribe safe antidepressants, but some of these medications can cause dizziness or nausea when breastfeeding is involved.
- Hormonal Fluctuations
Even though a woman's body is designed to begin producing milk after the baby is born, the hormonal disruption that occurs in the body during this process is immense. Sometimes, feelings of nausea arise from an imbalance in the hormone levels.
- Minimum Calorie Consumption
Breastfeeding calls for a lot of energy, and low-calorie intake might only serve to drain the stores kept in the body. Such depletion of energy means dizziness and generally weak feelings.
- Fatigue and Lack of Sleep
Extreme Fatigue - Not having sleep at night, for instance, can be as bad as overexertion. Too much stress puts the body in an extremely stressed state, which may induce nausea.
- Low Blood Sugar
Breastfeeding, as well as any energy-producing action inside the body, requires consistent feeding. Failure to eat or eating very little can strain the body's energy levels to the breaking point and even plunge blood sugar to lower levels and trigger nausea.
- Dehydration
Taking care of a newborn often makes mothers forget to drink enough water. It takes a lot of fluid from the body to hydrate with milk, and if this fluid is not restored, one may feel dizziness and other signs of dehydration.
- Oxytocin Activity
Another hormone, oxytocin, of key importance in milk production, may also influence the digestive system. As oxytocin levels increase during breastfeeding, this may stimulate other functions in the body that could cause nausea.
- Possible Pregnancy
While nausea generally subsides within a couple of months postpartum, if you have nausea that's present while nursing a much older baby, it could be a sign of pregnancy, especially if you've had sexual intercourse since delivery.
What are the Symptoms of Nausea While Nursing?
When experiencing nausea while nursing, the symptoms can vary from mild to more intense and may include:
- Discomfort in the stomach
This may be a general nausea or an upset stomach that one feels does not go away during or after a breastfeeding session.
- Dizziness
One may feel lightheaded or have the impression that the room is spinning as nausea accompanies dizziness, making one utterly unreliable in concentration or staying balanced.
- Weakness and Fatigue
Extreme weakness or tiredness can often be associated with nausea when nursing. You may feel drained even when sitting or lying down.
- Headache
Nausea might be attended by a throbbing headache or a dull ache in the head, thus adding to the discomfort experienced.
- Drenching Sweats
In some cases, nausea can cause drenching sweats or hot flashes, which makes you feel clammy or overheated.
- Loss of Appetite
Nausea may sometimes lead to a decreased appetite to eat or drink, thereby aggravating the situation if one is not consuming food properly.
- Vomiting
Sometimes, nausea may lead to vomiting-especially in severe cases where the discomfort has become unbearable or continuous
- Chills or Shivers
Some women may feel chills or even experience cold body temperatures even when the room is warm.
Depending on the cause, these symptoms may be short or prolonged. It is essential to listen to your body. For persistence or severe nausea while nursing, one should consult a healthcare professional.
How to Prevent or Stop Feeling Nauseous when Breastfeeding?
Here are some tips that may help reduce nausea while breastfeeding:
- Stay Hydrated: Take small sips of water throughout your breastfeeding session. You can also enjoy homemade, sugar-free fresh juices, soups, or broths to maintain hydration.
- Keep Healthy Snacks Handy: Have light, easy-to-digest snacks like crackers, dried fruits, or nuts within reach to satisfy hunger between feeds.
- Focus on Nutritious Foods: Prioritize whole, balanced meals and avoid greasy, spicy, or overly fatty foods. These can contribute to gastric discomfort, including nausea, heartburn, and indigestion.
- Rest When Possible: Take advantage of rest periods when your baby sleeps. Don’t hesitate to ask family and friends for help so you can recharge.
- Avoid Nausea Triggers: Manage nausea during breastfeeding by steering clear of the things that trigger it, much like you would during pregnancy. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Can I take Medicines for Nausea while Nursing?
Yes, you can take some medicines for nausea while nursing, but you should use caution and monitor your infant:
Antiemetics: Any of the following antiemetics can be given with caution: cyclizine, hyoscine hydrobromide, metoclopramide, ondansetron, prochlorperazine, and promethazine.
Loperamide: This can help in reducing diarrhea symptoms.
Rehydration sachets: can be used to avoid dehydration.
How to Treat Nausea During Breastfeeding at Home?
Nausea while breastfeeding can be hard to deal with, but there are many ways to overcome it at home. Here are some tips for alleviating nausea when breastfeeding:
- Hydrate
Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids may include water, herbal teas, or clear broths. It is very important to stay hydrated so that dehydration does not worsen the nausea. You can sip water all day to avoid overwhelming your stomach. Think about ginger tea or ginger ale, which contains real ginger to soothe your stomach because ginger has been proven to reduce nausea.
- Take Small, Frequent Meals
Small, easy-to-digest meals throughout the day prevent your stomach from becoming too empty, which can cause nausea. Crackers, bananas, rice, and applesauce are common bland foods that settle well in the stomach.
- Odor Avoidance
Some foods can cause nausea, as well as perfumes and disinfectants. Limit your exposure to such odors as much as possible.
- Rest
Fatigue can contribute to nausea, so make sure to rest as much as you can. Take breaks when possible, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed or physically drained from caring for your baby.
- Breathing Techniques
Deep breathing exercises can calm your nervous system and help settle nausea. Attempt slow, deep breaths with your nose plugged and your mouth open to provide yourself with moments of relaxation.
- Vitamin B6
Some women note that vitamin B6 supplementations can help with nausea. Women often receive prescription instructions for pregnancy-related nausea, but it can also be used to help mothers experiencing nausea while breastfeeding.
- Positioning During Feeding
Sometimes, the way you position your baby affects how you feel. If you are uncomfortable or nauseous while breastfeeding, it would be advisable to change your posture or find a more comfortable position that does not put too much pressure on your stomach.
- Peppermint
Peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint candies can help soothe nausea. Peppermint has natural anti-nausea properties and can relax the digestive system.
- Don't Overeat
Overeating in one sitting is likely to overwhelm your stomach and worsen nausea. Eat in smaller, balanced portions during the day.
- Acupressure
Some may even alleviate nausea with the use of acupressure. An area on the inside of the wrist is commonly used for pressure, which is said to help alleviate nausea; apply gentle pressure there for a few minutes to determine if this provides relief for your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor for Nausea when Nursing?
Nausea during breastfeeding is an uncomfortable problem, but most often, it's a temporary and manageable issue. There are certain scenarios where getting professional medical advice is a must for both the health of the mother and the baby. Here are two of the key instances where consulting a doctor in case of nausea during breastfeeding is a recommendation:
- If you are experiencing persistent, intense nausea or vomiting, dehydration, fainting, or severe abdominal pain. Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as these are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration, fainting, or severe abdominal pain.
- If the nausea is so overwhelming that it interferes with your ability to breastfeed or affects your milk supply, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider. Nourishing your baby and maintaining their health is a priority, and no healthcare provider would recommend breastfeeding if it negatively impacts your health.
What if I am too Nauseous to Breastfeed?
If you are too vile to breastfeed, take care of yourself while making sure your baby is fed well. Here are some steps that can help you:
Take a Break and Rest. If you are feeling nauseous, try to take a break to rest. Lie down in a comfortable position and focus on breathing slowly and deeply. A short rest may help alleviate nausea and make it easier to breastfeed when you feel better.
Offer a Bottle (If Needed). If you're feeling too sick to nurse, provide your baby with a bottle of expressed breast milk or formula if you have an expression collected. Thus, your baby will get all the required nutrition. If you cannot pump due to nausea, ask a family member or partner to fill the breastfeeding time by nursing the baby temporarily.
Hydrate and Eat Lightly. Nausea may be aggravated by thirst or an empty stomach. Stay hydrated and have a few small, light snacks, if tolerable. Keep a bottle of water handy and sip it slowly to avoid putting too much at one time into your stomach.
Change Positions Comfortably. Sometimes, sitting or lying in a different position can make breastfeeding less taxing if you're feeling nauseous. Experiment with positions that are more comfortable for you, like reclining or using pillows for support.
Consider Pumping. You could pump. Pumping would really be an alternative if nausea makes breastfeeding impossible. It means that you can continue the supply of breast milk for your baby while resting and recovering. Ensure that you have regular pumping since the longer you stop, the lower the chances of retaining the supply. Momcozy M9 Breast Pump lets you pump effortlessly and comfortably even if you are not feeling well, as it is controllable via the Momcozy app. You can adjust the mode and intensity that is suitable for your comfort.
Remember, it is OK to take breaks and ask for help when feeling unwell. Your health is important, and managing nausea effectively will help you continue to care for your baby in the long run.
Conclusion
Experiencing nausea while breastfeeding can be a challenging and uncomfortable issue for many mothers, but it's often manageable with the right strategies. The causes of nausea should be well understood, including hormonal changes, iron deficiency, and dehydration, in order to deal with them effectively. Hydration, rest, and changing feeding patterns can all help with the alleviation of nausea so your baby will receive the nourishment they need. Listen to your body and seek help if needed, whether it be consulting the doctor or asking that loved one for a helping hand.
Remember, keeping your health on track is important, and by managing nausea, you can continue to enjoy the rewarding breastfeeding journey while keeping you and your baby healthy.
