It is common to believe that a fright or disgust that affects the mother can cause the breasts to "dry out" and not produce milk, which in some cases motivates weaning. Many women take care of suffering disgust for fear of this happening, but although it is very good and it is important to avoid stress, sometimes situations overcome us.
Can receiving bad news or leading a strong argument affect the mother to the point of not having more milk for her baby? In other words, Can breast milk be cut for an upset?
The answer is no. It is one of the many myths that surround breastfeeding. However, it may happen that in certain situations the woman suffers a stress situation that prevent milk from going out momentarily.
Why does it occur? When the woman lives a stressful situation, her body responds by generating adrenaline and cortisol, which in turn act by inhibiting oxytocin, a hormone that is involved in the milk ejection reflex. This produces that when sucking the baby milk comes out slower. It is not that there is no milk, but that it comes out with greater difficulty.
On the other hand, we must bear in mind that the link between the mother and the baby is so strong that he perceives the mother's feelings. If she is worried or distressed, the child may notice a change in her affectivity and be upset and irritated, which adds more distress to the mother.
What to do? It is no reason to wean. It is a momentary situation that is resolved as soon as the woman calms down. Therefore, first of all you should try relax, be patient and continue to offer the breast on demand.
Find a quiet place to breastfeed your baby, play music, dim light, seek intimacy with your little one and focus on the power you have to feed your baby, allow your milk to flow. It is very important to put the baby to the breast frequently so that its suction stimulates the production of oxytocin. If you are worried that the milk does not come out, reassure him with pampering, caresses and soft words.
You will see how with patience and affection the situation is regularized and breastfeeding returns to normal.
