Do you get emotional during letdown?

[jacobsmommy]

When my milk lets down I feel real sleepy, which I know is normal, but I also get this emotional feeling like I could cry. Its not a bad feeling. I would say more happy, but it makes me feel like crying.It only lasts for a few minutes. For the first 6 months it used to be every time, but then it was only occasionally. It seems to be happening more often again. I have been wondering if other moms feel this too.

[ChezneyMommy]

I don't feel that so much this time, but I felt it all the time with my first. It's hard to describe. I'd say a happy, but overwhelmed feeling.

[jacobsmommy]

It's hard to describe. I'd say a happy, but overwhelmed feeling.

Thats exactly how it feels!

On another note, Can anyone tell me if are our hormones different during breastfeeding? Even if you already have AF back?

[BabyNightOwl]

Can anyone tell me if are our hormones different during breastfeeding? Even if you already have AF back?

The short answer is yes.
Prolactin (PRL) and Oxytocin are primarily responsible for milk synthesis, with Prolactin controlled (regulated) by Dopamine.

The touch receptors that are mapped around the areola and nipple send the signal to the brain to release the Oxytocin. The Ooxytocin is responsible for the let down reflex.

Many women have said that they have a feeling of relaxation or peace during or right after a let down. Oxytocin is released during times of extreme happiness and also during orgasm. It is a hormone that gives us good feedback. It is totally normal to feel rushes of warm feelings while nursing your baby.

[jacobsmommy]

The short answer is yes.
Prolactin (PRL) and Oxytocin are primarily responsible for milk synthesis, with Prolactin controlled (regulated) by Dopamine.

The touch receptors that are mapped around the areola and nipple send the signal to the brain to release the Oxytocin. The Ooxytocin is responsible for the let down reflex.

Many women have said that they have a feeling of relaxation or peace during or right after a let down. Oxytocin is released during times of extreme happiness and also during orgasm. It is a hormone that gives us good feedback. It is totally normal to feel rushes of warm feelings while nursing your baby.

Thanks, I knew about that Oxytocin and Prolactin and yours is a good explanation. But I was more wondering about other hormones that would affect mood overall. Like maybe the same ones that give us PMS.

Since i've had my LO it seems easier for me to become anxious and I am more needy and I feel like my wheels are always turning (if you KWIM). I can't stop thinking about things. Mostly negative things that could happen. Just wondering if hormones are to blame. I have always been a thinker and worry wart, but its has been magnified a lot in the past few months. Oh and I have no desire for sexual things. My libido is sooooo gone, but I hear that will/should come back eventually.

[BabyNightOwl]

Give it a bit of time. Child birth is an amazing thing, and it can take some time before the body and spirit is ready for intimate contact.

Intrusive thoughts can be common in women who are beginning to suffer from Post Partum Depression. Rapid thoughts can also be a sign of anxiety related to the depression.
You don't necessarily have to be deep down in the pits of despair to have anxious thoughts about your child. After all a piece of your heart is now wandering around outside of your body. It can be a frightening feeling!
If you feel like your concern for the welfare of your child is becoming overwhelming, you could consider consulting with your primary care physician. Many women find relief with a low dose of antidepressant. A large portion of antidepressants are considered safe with breastfeeding.

[jacobsmommy]

Give it a bit of time. Child birth is an amazing thing, and it can take some time before the body and spirit is ready for intimate contact.

Intrusive thoughts can be common in women who are beginning to suffer from Post Partum Depression. Rapid thoughts can also be a sign of anxiety related to the depression.
You don't necessarily have to be deep down in the pits of despair to have anxious thoughts about your child. After all a piece of your heart is now wandering around outside of your body. It can be a frightening feeling!
If you feel like your concern for the welfare of your child is becoming overwhelming, you could consider consulting with your primary care physician. Many women find relief with a low dose of antidepressant. A large portion of antidepressants are considered safe with breastfeeding.

Thank you for your kind words and understanding. I do keep telling myself (and poor DH) that my body is still adjusting. The thoughts arent just about my LO, but about me or my family in general. For instance I hear about something on the news or a story about someone else and then my mind will race and I will dwell on things and worry. I know part of it is because of what you said (a piece of your heart is now wandering around outside of your body). I really need to stop giving in to the thoughts because it is wasted energy. I just know I wasnt like this pre-baby. I hate to think it could be any sort of depression. I probably need some more distractions in my life. I am a SAHM so I am home with LO most of the week. Need to schedule more play dates with my girlfriends!

[BabyNightOwl]

Spending some time with other mothers is a good step in the right direction. Motherhood can be lonesome for some of us. You can always look into attending a local LLL meeting for support, they are free and all over the US.
Just so you know PPD is very common and effects many women, it is nothing to be ashamed of. The CDC released this paper on the statistics here: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5714a1.htm

[jacobsmommy]

Thank you again. It could be lonesomeness IS getting to me. I will take your advice.

[SSmom2Toby]

I get weepy when I pump, but I think it has a lot to do w/ me missing my LO and wishing I was nursing, not pumping...oh well!

I need to find LLL around me...the one in my town no longer meets

[mumw3]

When my milk lets down I actually getting a huge wave of a depression feeling wash over me. Then its over in a snap and I'm back to normal. I have never heard of anyone else having this feeling, and I've had it with nursing all three kids. I guess my body is just weird!

[BabyNightOwl]

I get weepy when I pump, but I think it has a lot to do w/ me missing my LO and wishing I was nursing, not pumping...oh well!

Aww!

When my milk lets down I actually getting a huge wave of a depression feeling wash over me. Then its over in a snap and I'm back to normal. I have never heard of anyone else having this feeling, and I've had it with nursing all three kids. I guess my body is just weird!

Not weird at all, this is less common but I have heard of this reaction to the let down reflex. There is actually some new research on the dysphoric milk ejection reflex. You can read about it here: http://www.d-mer.org/Home_Page.html

[mumw3]

Thank you so much for that website link! Finally after all these years there is a name for my experience during nursing, and proof that what I was going through wasn't just me.
I love this forum. You guys are always so helpful!!!!

[Babysaurus]

Thank you for posting the link about D-MER!!! I had it with my first DD, and now with my second. I get it pretty severely, but it goes away almost completely by 6 months. I'm going to suggest they put something on Kellymom about it.

[jacobsmommy]

Thank You for the link also BABYNIGHTOWL!! I actually think this may be what I am experiencing as well. It is a strange thing. I will keep reading on it, but thanks for your help.

[Mirandagrate]

I don't get depressed, or weepy, I get sick to my stomach during let down! Ugh.. I could be starving and when LO decides to nurse my appetite goes away completely, at least for a few minutes (I wish it'd last! I might be losing weight faster!) But yeah, I just get nauseous.