Why Does Nursing My Baby Make My Skin Crawl?
- bbdoulamt
- May 21
- 5 min read
You’ve looked forward to nursing your baby your whole pregnancy. You imagined it would be peaceful, intimate and joyful. But instead, when you nurse your baby, you feel agitated, angry or stressed during a feeding. Then afterwards you feel guilty for feeling that way. You know breastfeeding is what is best for your baby. You want to nurse your baby, but you’re struggling because it makes you so miserable. Or maybe you have been enjoying nursing your baby for months and then all of the sudden when you nurse your baby you start feeling all the negative emotions. It feels like your skin is crawling while your baby suckles.
If this is you, keep reading!
Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation
The term that describes these negative emotions or skin crawling agitation is Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation, or BAA. Although BAA has not been studied in depth, a small study in 2016 has provided some insight. This study found that with BAA a mother experiences negative feelings (sometimes along with intrusive thoughts) as her baby is suckling. Negative feelings include anger, agitation, irritability, rage, disgust, itchy/crawly skin, anxiety/stress, the urge to unlatch baby. Often mothers have a feeling of guilt or shame after their baby feeds.
If you are experiencing Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation, first know: YOU ARE NOT ALONE! You are not going crazy. While BAA has not been thoroughly studied, some possible reasons may include:
Trauma/Past Negative Experiences
Experiencing trauma (like a traumatic birth) or past negative breastfeeding experience may lead to experiencing aversion or agitation while breastfeeding.
Physical Pain or Discomfort
Pain while nursing can contribute to BAA symptoms.
Incorrect Breastfeeding Technique
An incorrect breastfeeding technique can lead to pain which can contribute to BAA symptoms.
PMADs
Postpartum Depression or Anxiety can contribute to BAA symptoms.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes such as your cycle returning or becoming pregnant again can lead to BAA. Some women only struggle with breastfeeding aversion and agitation while they are ovulating.
Lack of Sleep/ Self Care
Exhaustion, lack of proper nutrition or lack of caring for the mother’s needs may also contribute to experiencing BAA.
Tandem Nursing
Women nursing both a toddler and their new baby have a higher chance of experiencing BAA, especially while the older child is nursing.
Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation is different than D-MER
You may have heard of another breastfeeding phenomenon called D-MER or Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex. D-MER differs from BAA in that D-MER is only experienced during a let down, and not the entire nursing session. (More about that here)
So, what can I do if I am experiencing Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation?
Seek help from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor. A lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor can help address if there is any pain associated with nursing. They can also help with breastfeeding techniques to ease physical discomfort, and make sure baby is latching properly.
Attend to any pain or discomfort. This goes along with the previous one. Do you have sore nipples? Are your breasts engorged or infected? Make sure baby is latching properly and treat the physical symptoms. If you need help with doing so, reach out to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor.
Take Care of Yourself. Be sure you are eating nutrient-dense food, and make sure you are eating enough. Stay hydrated. Get enough rest and allow people to help you.
Seek Support. Whether that’s from your husband, mom, best friend, a biblical counselor, or other moms struggling with Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation as well. They can encourage you through encouraging words, prayer, and/or helping with chores around the house so you can rest or take time for yourself. When you are facing something challenging, having people to support you is super important!
Seek help from your Midwife or OBGYN. A midwife or OBGYN can do a blood-draw to check hormone and mineral levels that may be contributing to aversion and agitation while you’re breastfeeding.
Tandem feeding/ Older child nursing. Try nursing your toddler separately from your infant. Many moms struggle with their older child having restless hands or wiggling a lot. Set boundaries with them, try holding their hand if it’s restless or wear a nursing necklace for them to play with. Nurse when they’re sleepy and keep opposite breast covered to lessen physical contact.
Distraction. Another thing to try is to distract yourself while you’re nursing. You can try reading a book, watch your favorite TV show, talk to someone, etc.
BAA with the Return of Your Menstrual Cycle or with a New Pregnancy. Some women notice they struggle with Breastfeeding Aversion or Agitation only when they are ovulating. Some women begin to struggle with BAA with a new pregnancy. This may be due to change in hormones, milk supply changes, or increased sensitivity. Agitation and aversion may resolve itself after the new baby is born.
Final Thoughts…
If you are a mama experiencing Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation, you are not alone and it does not make you a bad mom! As of yet, we do not know for sure why this happens to some moms and not others. Seek help and support as you walk through this. You don’t have to do this alone! Lastly, don’t forget to seek the Lord’s help through this. He will walk with you through every moment of your struggle with Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation. He loves you and He hears you. He is faithful.
In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. ~Psalm 18:6
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ~Psalm 46:1
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Catharine is a birth doula and a stay-home/homeschool mama of 5. She has a passion for serving women on their motherhood journey. Catharine believes the memories surrounding birth are some of the most precious memories in a woman's life. How she is cared for during this precious and vulnerable time will make a big impact on her life. Each birth is unique and Catharine seeks to provide education and support so each mother can make informed decisions that are best for her. Her desire is that each mother can look back on her birth knowing she was loved and well cared for.
If you are looking for doula support for your birth journey, please reach out!
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended solely for educational purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always discuss any questions or concerns with your provider.
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