If you’re breastfeeding and finding yourself battling headaches more often than usual, you’re not alone. A breastfeeding headache is more common than you might think. The good news? These headaches are usually caused by things that are manageable once you know what to look for—and what to do next. Let’s break it down.
How Common Are Headaches When You’re Breastfeeding?
Headaches during the postpartum period are incredibly common. Nearly 40% of new mothers experience a headache in the first week after giving birth. While breastfeeding doesn’t directly cause headaches, the lifestyle and physical shifts that come with it—think sleep deprivation, hormone fluctuations, dehydration, and skipped meals—can set the stage.
If you had migraines before pregnancy, you might find they creep back in once your hormones start shifting again. And if you never had them before? This may be your body’s way of waving a flag that it needs a little more TLC.
If you’re suffering from constant migraine headaches, it’s time to check in with your doctor. And don’t forget to mention that you’re breastfeeding—some treatments may need adjusting.
What Can Cause A Breastfeeding Headache?
There isn’t just one culprit—headaches during breastfeeding can pop up from a combo of triggers. Here’s what might be going on:
- Hormone changes: Estrogen levels drop after birth, and prolactin rises to support milk production. This hormonal rollercoaster can affect your head—literally.
- Oxytocin: This “letdown” hormone can trigger a sudden headache or nausea for some moms. Thankfully, it usually fades after a few minutes of feeding.
- Plasma vasopressin: Released during breastfeeding, this hormone can raise blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels, which may contribute to headaches.
- Stress and noise: Too much noise or mental overload can trigger a tension headache. Stress activates your body’s fight-or-flight mode, which ramps up your heart rate and muscle tension.
- Sleep deprivation: Broken sleep from nighttime feeds is a classic headache trigger.
- Dehydration: Breast milk takes a lot of water to produce. If you’re not drinking enough, your body feels it.
- Low blood sugar: Skipping meals or going too long without eating can mess with your energy—and your head.
- Poor posture: Craning your neck during long feeds or holding the same position can lead to neck and back tension.
- Caffeine withdrawal: Cutting back too quickly after pregnancy might catch up to you.
- Discontinued medications: If you stopped certain medications post-birth, that sudden shift could spark headaches.
- Weaning too quickly: Sudden drops in oxytocin and other hormones can be physically and emotionally jarring, sometimes triggering headaches.
- Thyroid issues: An underactive or overactive thyroid postpartum can come with headache symptoms.
- Blood pressure problems: Watch for high or fluctuating blood pressure.
- Allergies: Environmental or food allergies can trigger sinus pressure and headaches.
- Postpartum depression (PPD): Emotional stress and mood changes may show up physically, too—including as headaches.
When Hormones Trigger Headaches
Hormones deserve their own spotlight because they play a major role:
Estrogen And Headaches
You’re more likely to feel estrogen’s effects if:
- You’re on your period
- You’re taking birth control pills
- You’ve just had a baby and your estrogen is low
- You’re on hormone therapy
Oxytocin Headaches
This milk-release hormone can sometimes trigger a short-lived migraine or wave of nausea during the letdown phase.
Plasma Vasopressin And Headaches
This hormone can raise blood pressure during breastfeeding, and that can sometimes result in a headache.
How To Prevent Breastfeeding Headaches
You don’t need to overhaul your life—just a few smart tweaks can make a big difference. Here’s what helps:
- Drink more water: Aim for at least 2 liters of water a day. Keep a water bottle near your nursing station and take a sip every time baby feeds.
- Eat regularly: Small, frequent meals help keep your blood sugar steady. Stock easy snacks—nuts, yogurt, granola bars, fruit.
- Relax while breastfeeding: Try deep breathing, white noise, or visualizing something peaceful. Find a comfy position. Take breaks if you need to.
- Improve your posture: Use nursing pillows to support your arms and baby. Sit upright and stretch out your shoulders after a feed.
- Sleep when possible: A quick nap, even 15 minutes, can ease tension and fatigue.
- Track your symptoms: A headache journal can help spot patterns or triggers.
- Massage therapy: Even gentle neck and shoulder massage can release tension. Techniques like Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, and acupressure may help—ask a certified therapist.
- Take magnesium: This mineral is crucial for nerve and muscle health. Around 600mg of magnesium citrate daily can help reduce migraine frequency. Start with a smaller dose and build up to avoid digestive upset.
- Skip excess caffeine: Too much coffee can dehydrate you—and withdrawal can trigger headaches too.
- Safe meds: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is considered safe during breastfeeding. If headaches are severe or persistent, ask your doctor what else you can take.
When To Call Your Doctor
Most breastfeeding headaches are annoying, not alarming. But some are red flags. Call your healthcare provider if:
- You get a sudden, severe headache that feels different from usual.
- Your headache comes with blurred vision, confusion, or high blood pressure.
- You recently had an epidural and the pain worsens when you sit or stand.
- You have other symptoms like fever, stiff neck, or numbness.
You’re Doing What’s Best For You And Baby
A breastfeeding headache doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. It means your body is navigating a complex, demanding phase—and sending signals along the way. With a few small changes and the right support, you can feel better and keep breastfeeding on your terms.
One sip of water, one deep breath, one snack at a time—you’ve got this.
Resources
- Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
- Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.
References
- Postpartum Headache — StatPearls (2023). What to Know About Migraine While Breastfeeding — American Migraine Foundation (2022-09-15)
- Postpartum Headaches: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment — Cleveland Clinic
- Headache and Migraine During Pregnancy and Puerperium — The Journal of Headache and Pain (2011)
Headache and Migraine During Pregnancy and Puerperium — The Journal of Headache and Pain
