How Stress Disrupts the Body’s Ability to Breastfeed

Breastfeeding depends on a delicate hormonal balance. Oxytocin and prolactin help the body release and produce milk. But stress, fear, or even the pressure to perform can interfere. “Cortisol is a powerful blocker of the let-down reflex,” Dawn Maddux says. “If a parent is anxious, scared, or not feeling safe, milk doesn’t flow as easily.”

The ability to breastfeed hasn’t disappeared, but the conditions that support it often have. Creating an environment that feels calm, connected, and supportive is what helps the body remember.

Try these strategies to support your natural feeding instinct:

• Spend extended time skin-to-skin immediately after birth

• Ask for qualified lactation support early, ideally from an IBCLC

• Limit interruptions during feedings to reduce stress and distraction

• Use warm lighting, quiet tones, and comfort rituals that signal safety

• Trust baby-led cues like rooting and hand-to-mouth movements
  

The Body Remembers

Many parents concern themselves over what to eat or how to induce proper lactation. Most bodies go through this process naturally but others may struggle due to rare conditions due to the most common cause of chronic illness- stress. Out of all the possible things we discussed, Dawn mentioned that environmental stress is the main cause of improper lactation.

“A lot of women have to go back to work very early, a lot of women don't have the support they need at home, or had a traumatic birth experience... a lot of it is environmental, and that is a huge hindrance to milk supply.”

A proper support system is key. Its important to work with your loved ones to ensure a safe and peaceful environment to breastfeed. If that isn’t available, our lactation consultants are always here to help. 

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