Breastfeeding Aversion: Understanding BAR

From the Daily News Now Network, this is Adelaide News Today.

Many women chairs breastfeeding as a special bonding time with their baby, but for some,

it triggers an intense breastfeeding aversion response, or BAR.

This causes overwhelming negative feelings, like a strong urge to pull the baby away,

even when they want to keep going.

A recent study of over 5,500 Australian moms found about one in five have felt it.

BAR stands out from similar issues like dysphoric mocajection reflex, which hits briefly during

letdown, even when pumping.

With BAR, the discomfort lasts through the entire feed only when the baby is nursing directly.

Experts note it's a common physiological reaction, with mental health effects, though not

yet a formal diagnosis.

Moms often describe feeling touched out, angry, trapped, or violated, mixing physical irritation

with emotional dread and guilt.

These can shake their confidence as mothers, strain bonding with the baby, and spark anxiety

or stress.

First-time moms, those tandem nursing, older and younger kids, or feeding their ovulation

and periods face higher risks.

Researchers and lactation experts recommend simple strategies to manage it, like distracting

yourself with your phone, music, or TV while feeding.

Changing positions, deep breathing, positive self talk about breastfeeding benefits, and setting

time limits for older kids also help.

Support from partners, midwives, or online groups makes a big difference.

Awareness is growing but still low, so many mistake it for post-partum depression and

feel alone or blame themselves.

The good news is, with understanding in these tools, most women continue nursing successfully

and look back positively, if you're dealing with this, know it's not your fault, and

help is out there.

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