Feelings that a Mother Has During Her First Breastfeeding Experience

While anticipating a child, it is normal for our minds to be captivated by the pregnancy, the delivery, the anticipation of meeting this little person, and the ways in which we may change as individuals and as a family. It is feasible and probable that we will have received some amount of breastfeeding advice throughout pregnancy. Although this information is frequently quite helpful, it may be difficult to plan that far in advance, particularly for the first time.

The mother feels her infant’s first contact mostly via breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is one of the most emotionally charged experiences for any new mother. It is one of life’s natural occurrences that signifies the beginning of motherhood.

The breast milk the infant gets in the first few days, commonly known as colostrum, is very important for his or her growth and development. This fully satisfies the dietary needs of your infant. In reality, it aids in the development of the infant’s digestive system in preparation for digestion of breast milk.

Chemical hormones released during nursing can contribute to a woman’s emotional ups and downs. Oxytocin and prolactin are the two primary hormones that are produced during breastfeeding. Prolactin is important for milk production and induces drowsiness and relaxation in mothers. On the other side, oxytocin aids in milk production. Also, it may help enhance the attachment between the new mother and her child.

Oxytocin, sometimes known as the ‘happy hormone,’ may induce the mother to feel somewhat euphoric. With all these chemical chemicals circulating, it is not surprising that the mother experiences a rush of emotions. In a sense, the mother is providing her child with a sprinkle of pleasure and an incredible bonus of immunity. As this is one of the first exterior encounters a mother has with her child, it allows her to develop a deep attachment and connection with him or her.

Nothing makes a mother feel more happy and content than holding her newborn in her arms. And, caressing the baby as he/she consumes the milk is like a cherry on the cake. As humans, we are fortunate to feel and experience such an incredible natural phenomenon. It is a feeling so beautiful that it can’t be defined or even expressed in words. And, breastfeeding can have its own share of positive psychological influences in a new mother. She might feel a sense of confidence and courage never experienced before. After all, she knows full-well how she is not just shaping up the future of her little one, but also of the society. As she nurses her child, the mom sees him/her grow into a wiser and stronger person every day.

However, there is another side to this story too. While this experience is glorious and fascinating for most parts, there are some women who fall prey to a medical condition called postpartum depression. And, postpartum depression and breastfeeding are said to have a correlation. Apparently, depressed moms are more likely to be dissatisfied with breastfeeding.

And, might also face more breastfeeding issues. Since this condition can invoke negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression, moms may show signs like crying, insomnia, loss of appetite, and mood swings. But, there is always a way to heal the soul. And, if you notice any of these signs, consult your doc immediately. He/she will be able to guide you better on how to deal with these issues.

Breastfeeding is the best way to familiarize yourself with the little one. And, it also helps you sail through motherhood, which can be pretty overwhelming otherwise. Moms develop an innate maternal instinct as soon as their babies arrive into the world. They immediately make a secret promise to their little ones, vowing to protect them with all their might until the last breath. We all know that the overwhelming emotion that motherhood brings is beyond comparison. So, don’t let anything worry you. Just focus on taking care of yourself and be your best version around the little one.