10.12.2011

Breastfeeding and the Stress Response

As adults, we all have stressors throughout the day. We stress about too little money, too many things to do and not enough time in the day. We might be fighting with our spouse or children. We might hate our job, our neighbor or the person in front of us that's driving too slow. Unfortunately, this chronic stress hour after hour and day after day puts a huge toll on our bodies.

Briefly and generally-speaking, this is the physiology of our body's response to stress: Increase heart-rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure, vasso-constriction to organs (that means the veins constrict, decreasing blood flow to the organs). The brain starts shutting down the parts for short-term memory and learning. Adrenals release catecholamines, which release free-fatty acids into your system for energy.   Catecholamines and cortisol will stimulate the release of sticky factors and blood platelets. Cortisol will down-regulate insulin receptors. Cortisol converts extra calories to fat and moves it to the abdominal area. (Extra abdominal fat increases your risk for diabetes and heart disease.) Under stress you crave Fats & Sugars. Most people do not go for healthy fats/sugars like lean meats, nuts/seeds and fruits & berries. No, instead they grab a Soda, BurgerKing and a candy bar. All that trans fats and HFCS increases you blood sugar EVEN MORE, increases insulin resistance even more, and increases your risk for heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Cortisol also down-regulates your immune system - increasing your chances of Colds, Flu, Cancer. Cancer is an immune issue – we all have cancer cells, but most of the time we are able to fight it off. Do you ever wonder why is it whenever you are stressed out you get sick?


But what about a baby? Do babies have stress? Sure they do. They don't know if your coming back for them, they might wake up in a dark room, they have something wet on their bottom that they can't get off. They are being constantly introduced to new people and places. As a toddler, they might start preschool with a new teacher, friends and fun things to do...but they wonder if you are coming back for them? Your family might move to a new house - but this new place is strange and unfamiliar to a little one, even though you are there. Your child might even witness you and your spouse fighting - and that can be scary to them. They might be mastering a new skill - crawling, walking, climbing. A new toy or movie might be stimulating their brain. Although these situations are not all negative, they are "stressors". Think about your wedding day, or going to a foreign country, or a rollercoaster - all fun and exciting, but can still have the same "stress response" on your body.

So, as adults, we have the knowledge and means to reduce our stress and improve our health. Yoga, exercise, meditation, a raw, clean diet, regular chiropractic care, etc.

But what can a baby do? BREASTFEED! Babies innately know what to do when they are stressed. They don't have to think about, plan it, schedule it - they just DO it!! They cuddle up next to Mama where they feel warm and safe. Their heart rate and respiratory rate start to match yours. They gaze into your eyes. Their "craving" for fat and sugar is satisfied with Mama's Milk - and breastmilk has the perfect ratio of fats and sugars for their body at that specific time. The immunoglobulins received in your breastmilk is exactly what they need to boost their immune system. They get a rush of oxytocin (the "love" hormone) to relax their body. They "exercise" their jaw, and that sucking motion helps to calm them down and promotes CSF (Cerebral Spinal Fluid) flow up and down the spinal cord.


So relaxed from breastfeeding
I couldn't even finish my smoothie....
 I am so glad that I can provide this "stress outlet" for Nolan. I have noticed patterns of more or less breastfeeding, and he definitely breastfeeds more when there are big changes or a very active schedule. He innately, amazingly, knows what his body needs. And, he is never sick!

Breastfeeding is a great way to reduce stress for Mama, too. It makes her sit, relax, slow down and focus on her baby. There is also a release of hormones (oxytocin) to her brain, which makes her feel happy and in-love with her little one.

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