It’s no secret that breastfeeding can be challenging. Establishing and maintaining a breastfeeding relationship with your little one can cause significant stress, but stress can negatively impact breastfeeding. A new systematic review sheds light on the critical relationship between mothers’ stress levels in the postpartum period, milk supply, and the breastfeeding journey.
We're breaking down what the research says and why it matters.
Cortisol and Breastfeeding
Postpartum stress can play a huge role in breastfeeding challenges, and the hormone cortisol is at the center of it. Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, secreted when a stressor activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Despite its negative connotations, cortisol is not an inherently bad hormone! It can be helpful in small amounts (like managing inflammation or blood sugar), but too much can mess with your body’s natural processes—including breastfeeding.
In the systematic review, researchers studied the link between exclusive breastfeeding and cortisol. They found that high stress levels are linked to lower amounts of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin, which are crucial for making and releasing breast milk. So, if you’re wondering, “Why is my milk supply decreasing?” stress might be part of the answer.
Stress can also affect other aspects of your reproductive and overall health, such as ovulation and even your pregnancy.
Factors That May Impact Your Stress Levels
The study sheds light on common stressors that can interfere with breastfeeding success. For first-time mothers, the steep learning curve and added pressure can be overwhelming, often impacting milk supply. Factors such as delivering via C-section, returning to work, financial difficulties, or grappling with postpartum depression can further complicate exclusive breastfeeding.
Stress plays a key role in diminishing milk production by disrupting the release of hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which are essential for lactation. These findings underscore the importance of addressing maternal stress and creating a supportive environment that makes breastfeeding less daunting.
Exclusive breastfeeding—defined as feeding your baby only breast milk, without supplementing with infant formula, water, or other foods—is recommended by both the World Health Organization and the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans for the first six months of life. While these guidelines aim to optimize infant health, they often overlook the real-world barriers many mothers face in achieving this goal.
The study highlights how stress related to childbirth interventions, such as C-sections, financial challenges, postpartum depression, and the pressure of returning to work, can undermine breastfeeding efforts. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is essential to supporting mothers and improving breastfeeding outcomes.
Why This Research Matters
Breastfeeding provides an incredible source of nourishment for babies, but it can come at a cost for mothers. When a mother is stressed out, it not only affects her mental health but can also affect her milk supply due to the inhibitory effects of cortisol on the hormones oxytocin and prolactin, which are necessary for breast milk production. When women face barriers like low milk supply, it tends to make them less likely to breastfeed exclusively.
We’ve said it before - mothers need more support! They need support in managing stress during the postpartum period and beyond, and they need support and nourishment for their breastfeeding journeys. A proper support system, including an informed and prepared partner, an experienced lactation consultant, and helpful family members and friends, can help reduce a mother's stress postpartum. Good nutrition also plays a vital role in stress management. Numerous nutrients, including dietary protein, high-quality carbohydrates, healthy fats, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, regulate the body’s stress response.
In addition, supplemental herbs, such as Holy Basil and Ashwagandha, found in our Stress Support supplement, can help support a balanced stress response during the postpartum period, potentially helping create a smooth and successful breastfeeding journey.
Can You Boost Your Milk Supply?
You may be able to increase your milk supply naturally with a few lifestyle changes:
- Breastfeed regularly or increase breastfeeding frequency: Our bodies are so smart. The more you breastfeed, the more supply your body makes. Especially in the first few weeks postpartum, more feedings can help establish a healthy supply.
- Get enough rest: We know that having a little one makes getting enough sleep a difficult task, but ensuring your body gets enough rest is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your milk supply.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is key for maintaining a healthy milk supply. Some research even suggests that a drop in hydration directly correlates with a drop in breast milk. Needed's Hydration Support contains electrolytes and trace minerals to support optimal hydration.
- Consider adding Fenugreek to your diet:
Fenugreek, a clover-like herb native to the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and western Asia, has a long history of medicinal use. Several studies have shown a possible link between the herb and an increased milk supply. You can find Fenugreek in "Mother's Tea" and cook with it!
The Bottom Line
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey that comes with its fair share of challenges, and stress can often feel like a major roadblock. This new study highlights how postpartum stress and elevated cortisol levels can impact milk supply, offering valuable insights into why some mothers struggle to breastfeed exclusively. While stress is unavoidable, understanding its effects on breastfeeding can help moms feel empowered to seek support and make informed choices.
The good news? You can take steps to manage stress and support your breastfeeding goals. From leaning on a strong support system to focusing on nutrition, hydration, and rest, small changes can make a big difference. Supplements and natural remedies, like Fenugreek or stress-support herbs, may also help. Remember, you're not alone—every mom’s journey looks different, and with the right tools and support, you can confidently navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding.
References
World Health Organisation. (2019). Breastfeeding. World Health Organization; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1
Fernandez-Vaz, C., & Gonzalez-Sanz, J. D. (2022). Cortisol, maternal stress, and breastfeeding rate at hospital discharge: A Systematic Review. Breastfeeding Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2022.0165
CDC. (2019, November 4). Breastfeeding: Recommendations and benefits. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/recommendations-benefits.html
