![]() This indicates that the cause could be hormonal for some women, something perhaps similar to pre or postmenstrual stress. Some mothers are able to tie experiences of BAA to their menstruation (even ovulation), and manage it for a few days each month, once they have identified this pattern, and they realise it will pass. These are grouped loosely under the following categories in the discussion section of the study: Hormones Possible causes from other published works in parenting and lactation that could lend some understanding towards the reasons for BAA are discussed. However, in a study asking 694 women to describe the phenomenon of aversion, there was no distinction found between mothers breastfeeding a single infant and those who were pregnant or tandem feeding (Yate, 2017). Adventures in Tandem Nursing by Hilary Flower refers mainly to women who are pregnant or tandem nursing experiencing ‘agitation’ at the breast (Flower, 2003). Recently, in 2016, a small group of women were interviewed in a study that concluded that breastfeeding can trigger ‘negative embodied emotions’, which are negative feelings that are projected onto the infant, and aversion was referred to (Watkinson, et.al 2016). There are a few academic studies and books that mention it. The paucity of research on BAA is very apparent, there are no research studies that investigate what causes aversion experienced in this manner whilst breastfeeding. Mothers can experience both D-MER and BAA, and at the same time, but they are different phenomenons. The feelings themselves are also generally different: anger and agitation are not the same emotions as dread, despair or sadness, although there can be crossovers. This is noted in distinction to the condition of D-MER, which is the experience of feelings of dysphoria when the milk releases, as these dissipate shortly thereafter – not staying throughout the whole feed as is the case with BAA. However, for mothers who experience BAA, there is often an overwhelming urge to de-latch the suckling infant, as once aversion hits it will not abate until the infant has stopped suckling. In the experience of negative emotions whilst breastfeeding, yes. I just want to scream and pull my baby off.” –Preena Is BAA like Dysphoric-Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER)? I am so glad I found this group I thought I was going mad… that I was the only one who felt like this when nursing. This also can cause feelings of guilt over having to end breastfeeding before a mother or infant was ready. Some mothers have to wean due to experiencing BAA, if it is long-lasting or severe, or if they do not know what it is. Many don’t tell anyone, and struggle with an ‘internal conflict’ of wanting to breastfeed, but once engaging in the activity, experiencing aversion toward it. Mothers feel a great sense of shame and guilt due to these negative feelings and intrusive thoughts. Then I feel so guilty it hurts.” –Hanna Guilt and Shame All I think about now is leaving, running away when he suckles. I used to LOVE breastfeeding and we had such a good relationship. I get so angry, like a rage when my son latches now, and I am not sure why. I didn’t actually know there was a term for this. However, the expression or manifestation of aversion is similar, with mothers describing very similar feelings and thoughts, often using the exact same phrases (Yate, 2017). The phenomenon of BAA is known to exist in varying degrees and durations, along a spectrum that is individual for each mother – as the onset and severity is unpredictable. These feelings disappear after the infant stops breastfeeding and is not latched. Thoughts and feelings about being ‘touched out’.Wanting to ‘pinch’ the infant or child so they stop suckling.Overwhelming urge to stop breastfeeding.Wanting to ‘run away’ so as to not be feeding.Intrusive thoughts are known to occur in motherhood (Kleiman, 2010), but with BAA these appear to be specific to breastfeeding and can include, but are not at all limited to:
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