Breastfeeding after experiencing birth trauma

Breastfeeding begins while a mother is recovering from birth. Establishing breastfeeding happens alongside physical and emotional recovery. When birth is experienced as traumatic, recovery may be more complex, which can affect how breastfeeding develops.

It is important to distinguish between what happened during birth and how a mother experienced those events. Two mothers may have similar births but experience them differently. This reflects the complexity of trauma, not a difference in strength or ability to cope.

Research suggests that mothers who experience a traumatic birth or develop symptoms of birth-related post-traumatic stress may be more likely to encounter breastfeeding difficulties. These may include delayed milk production, feeling less confident about their ability to breastfeed, concerns about milk supply or breastfeeding ending earlier than the mother wants it to. A difficult birth does not make these experiences inevitable, but it can interrupt the process of establishing breastfeeding.

There is no single reason why birth trauma can affect breastfeeding. Physical recovery may be slower after major surgery, severe perineal trauma or postpartum haemorrhage. Some mothers spend time apart from their baby because of medical care. Others find that anxiety, intrusive memories or disturbed sleep make it harder to establish breastfeeding. These experiences often overlap.

A mother who experiences a traumatic birth can go on to breastfeed her baby. Some mothers and babies breastfeed easily from the start, while others may find that establishing breastfeeding takes more time or additional support.

Breastfeeding after a traumatic birth can be experienced in very different ways. Some mothers describe breastfeeding as an integral part of recovery, while others find that it brings difficult emotions or sensations, and for some it is a continuation of the distress. Experiencing these feelings does not necessarily mean that a mother no longer wants to breastfeed.

Support after birth should take account of both recovery and breastfeeding. Practical breastfeeding support is most effective when it recognises the mother’s physical recovery, her emotional wellbeing and the circumstances surrounding the birth, without assuming how she should feel about what happened.

A difficult birth may interrupt the establishment of breastfeeding, but it does not determine what follows. Many mothers are surprised to find that breastfeeding feels very different once the difficulties of the intense early days are behind them. MoMa Breastfeeding support is available at every stage, whether a mother needs reassurance, practical support or simply another pair of experienced eyes. If the impact of birth is making recovery or breastfeeding feel difficult, a GP, midwife or health visitor can also help the mother access support for her wellbeing alongside breastfeeding support.