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Why Do Some Women Experience Breastfeeding Aversion?

  • Writer: Amalhopebirthing
    Amalhopebirthing
  • Apr 5, 2025
  • 3 min read

Breastfeeding, generally seen as a beautiful and joyful experience, may on occasion be experienced by some women as an extremely unpleasant time.

What is Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation (BAA)?

BAA or "aversion" is a condition in which a breastfeeding mother may experience negative feelings towards breastfeeding her baby. Unlike D-MER, mothers may experience these emotions every time they nurse. These emotions may also be accompanied by intrusive thoughts whenever the babe is latched and nursing.


Mothers have described their emotions in various ways:

  • Feelings of intense anger and rage

  • Agitation

  • Disgust or self-disgust

  • Irritability

  • Skin crawling/itching

  • Feelings of guilt and shame afterwards


Examples of intrusive thoughts have been described as:

  • Wanting to unlatch the nursing child

  • Urge to scream or hit things

  • Overwhelming urge to stop breastfeeding

  • Wanting to pinch the baby or throw them across the room

  • Thoughts and feelings of being "touched out"

  • Wanting to "run away" so as not to feed the child


Interestingly, these feelings disappear as soon as breastfeeding is stopped and the baby is not latched and suckling.



What causes BAA?

There are hardly any studies or research that can show exactly what causes BAA. However, it is a phenomena that does occur, and anecdotally, many women have reported experiencing this condition. A small study in 2016, showed that 694 women described they had experienced this aversion. There appears to be an agreement that women who are pregnant or who may be tandem feeding, are at a higher risk of experiencing BAA but there is no conclusive evidence for this.


Some possible causes and triggers may include:

  1. Stress. Social or external pressures of having to breastfeed or struggling with nursing.

  2. Pain and discomfort while breastfeeding. Some women experience nipple pain and discomforts while nursing especially if the baby is not latched correctly. This could lead to engorgement and mastitis.

  3. Lack of self-care. Mothers who don't make time to eat nutritious foods, taking time to rest or stay hydrated may have higher risk.

  4. Pregnancy. Hormonal changes in pregnancy may make nipples more sensitive and cause unwanted feelings.

  5. Trauma or past negative experiences. Previous trauma from birth or breastfeeding, childhood and sexual abuse. They may develop a breastfeeding aversion.

  6. Hormonal changes. Women experiencing their menstrual cycle, especially during ovulation time, have reported greater aversion to breastfeeding.

  7. Depression and Anxiety. Women who struggle with postpartum depression or anxiety may have exacerbated aversions.

Tandem Nursing. Women who nurse an older child have reported having greater aversion to breastfeeding.


Helpful protocols for Breastfeeding Aversion

Although overcoming breastfeeding aversion can be a challenge, with the right support, there are several strategies that may be helpful.

  1. Seek help. Don't keep this to yourself. Enlist the help of a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor who can provide guidance and support to address any difficulties or issues that may be causing the aversion.

  2. Address breastfeeding pains. Learn about breastfeeding techniques that can address the causes for incorrect latching, nipple pain, engorgement and mastitis.

  3. Self-care. Make sure that you are eating nutritious meals. Hydrate. Take a multi-vitamin and get omega 3s in your diet. Have plenty of healthy nutritious snacks close by. If needed do a blood test to check for hormonal deficiencies, as well as for magnesium, iron, vitamins A, B, D, complex and zinc. Make sure to get plenty of rest! Nap at least once a day.

  4. Tandem feeding issues. Many women complain about problems with an older child nursing like nipple twiddling, restless hands, excessive body movement and so on. These all appear to aggravate symptoms. Consider getting a nursing necklace for those tiny hands, setting boundaries, nurse when they're sleepy or wear a bra that covers the exposed nipple.

  5. Support groups. Find others who have experienced the same breastfeeding aversions. Know that you're not alone and that is there is help out there. You don't need to suffer. Supportive family members or friends can also offer prayer, encouragement or be helpful such as taking care of the baby so you can rest.


Closing thoughts...

There is not enough research out there to explain why BAA affects some women and why not others. However, it is helpful to know that there are women who have been in a similar situation. If you find yourself struggling with a similar experience, don't keep it to yourself. Suffering alone is not the way to go. You deserve support and encouragement, After all, your heart's desire is to be the best mother you can be,


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