Surely you have heard many phrases related to breastfeeding: "if you give him every time he asks, you spoil him", "you should stop breastfeeding if you get pregnant again", "drinking more milk makes you produce more milk"... Another The usual belief is that "scares, upsets or strong impressions cut the milk". Well, all these phrases are myths. Focusing on this last belief, the answer is No, breastfeeding does not stop because of disgust.
To explain why, it is convenient to review the two main hormones related to breastfeeding: prolactin and oxytocin.
Prolactin is responsible for the production of breast milk. It stimulates, mainly through suction, the mammary gland to produce milk for the newborn. This hormone is not affected by emotions, so it is not diminished by a moment of stress or upset.
On the other hand, oxytocin or the "love hormone" is responsible for the ejection reflex and the feeling of attachment. It can be secreted by emotional, visual or sound stimuli. It is affected by emotions, so stress can inhibit it.
What this means is that if the mother is frightened or upset, she continues to have the same milk, it does not stop, it does not disappear, or it does not stop producing it. What happens is that she may not come out through the nipple because oxytocin has been inhibited. When the baby sucks the milk will come out more slowly and with greater difficulty. In addition, the bond between the mother and the child sometimes makes the child perceive the state of the mother and if she is stressed or overwhelmed the baby can notice a change. This is where the misconception comes from that breast milk can be cut off.
Although such a situation may occur, it is not a reason to wean. Some tips to get through those times would be to try to relax and continue to breastfeed on demand. It is convenient to move to a quiet place with the child to caress him, rock him, smell him, whisper to him, etc. Holding him in your arms, breathing, and spending calm time with him can help you evade us. A massage can also come in handy.
If the stress situation comes from the admission of the baby due to prematurity or other reasons, it is advisable to have skin-to-skin contact for as long as possible and, when you are not with them, smell their clothes, see photos and videos and think about them. .
In this way the inhibition of oxytocin will be temporary. Taking a deep breath, relaxing, and offering the breast is the best way to get lactation back on track.
