Several people have mentioned experiencing nausea while breastfeeding or
having clients who complained of this.  Here is what just came across my
desk:

(from Wellstart International Connections, Spring 1995 issue)

A mother called the breastfeeding Helpline complaining of nausea that
occurred with every breastfeeding session and lasted for the duration of
the feeidng. The clinicians theorized that the symptoms may be similar to
"dumping syndrome," caused by an increased gastrin secretion by the mother.
Gastrin is a polypeptide hormone that promotes the secretion of gastric
acid and pepsin. This, in turn, triggers a decrease in the normal
gastrointestinal emptying time. Food is passed more quickly.

Symptoms are similar to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): nausea, headache,
hunger. Treatment includes eating a complex carbohydrate snack, such as a
piece of bread, during the breastfeeding session.*

Reference: Widstrom AM, et al: Breastfeeding induced effects on plasma
gastrin and somatostatin levels and their correlation with milk yield in
lactating females. Early Hum Dev 6:293-301.


* Those of you whose clients have complained of this need to be asked how
long it had been since they had had something to eat! (particularly a
complex carbohydrate)  Are they avoiding such foods? Grabbing some "quick
energy" that does not stay with them a bit longer?

Hope this helps those who mentioned this reaction to breastfeeding.



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 %% "We are all faced with a series of great opportunities      %%
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 %% definition of a lactation consulting service.               %%
 %% Kathleen G. Auerbach,PhD, IBCLC - [log in to unmask]          %%
 %% Homewood, Illinois USA                                      %%

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