Nursing Aversion: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How Magnesium May Help

Breastfeeding is often described as a peaceful, bonding experience. And for many, it is. But for some nursing parents, especially toddler parents, breastfeeding can bring on a distressing and often invisible challenge: nursing aversion . Sometimes called Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation (BAA), this emotional experience can feel jarring, guilt-inducing, and incredibly lonely.

What makes nursing aversion even more difficult to navigate is how little it’s understood—even though it affects far more parents than we realize. It can show up during tandem nursing , extended breastfeeding , hormonal shifts , and even in people who are otherwise committed to the breastfeeding relationship.

And while the emotional symptoms may feel complex, emerging research and clinical insight suggest a possible physiological contributor: magnesium deficiency . Let’s unpack what nursing aversion is, when and why it appears, and how minerals like magnesium—especially in the right form—can help restore calm, resilience, and joy to your nursing journey.

Nursing aversion is a visceral, emotional response during breastfeeding that can include (8):

• Irritability or rage while nursing
  
  

• Feelings of being “touched out” or trapped
  
  

• Intense agitation or skin-crawling sensations during letdown or suckling
  
  

• An impulsive desire to unlatch the child or stop breastfeeding abruptly
  
  

It often strikes without warning and is not the same as disliking breastfeeding overall. In fact, many parents who experience it are committed to continuing their breastfeeding relationship—but are seeking tools to manage the intense emotions that arise during feeds.

While it’s commonly associated with pregnancy and tandem nursing, nursing aversion can also occur (9):

• During extended breastfeeding
  
  

• In parents breastfeeding highly active or distracted toddlers
  
  

• During stressful life events or sleep deprivation
  
  

As a symptom of PPA, PMDD, or sensory processing sensitivity 

We don’t have robust prevalence data on nursing aversion, but anecdotal evidence from peer support groups and lactation professionals suggests it’s far more common than previously thought —especially in those breastfeeding past 12 months or while pregnant. Some small-scale surveys estimate that 15–30% of breastfeeding parents may experience aversion at some point, though it’s often underreported due to guilt or fear of judgment (1).

The causes of nursing aversion are multifactorial —ranging from hormonal changes to nervous system dysregulation.

Changes in prolactin, estrogen, and oxytocin can all influence emotional responses during nursing. For example:

• In pregnancy , rising estrogen and progesterone can reduce milk supply and increase breast sensitivity, amplifying discomfort.
• Weaning toddlers or those with reduced milk intake may stimulate less oxytocin release, making nursing feel less rewarding.
• PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and postpartum hormonal fluctuations can overlap with aversion episodes (2).

Sleep deprivation, stress, and overstimulation (especially in sensory-sensitive parents) can push the nervous system into a fight-or-flight mode . When that happens, even nurturing sensations—like suckling—can become unbearable. It’s a mismatch between intention and biology.

This is where research is catching up. Magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a role in neurotransmitter regulation, muscle function, and stress response . During pregnancy, lactation , and high-stress periods, your magnesium needs increase significantly—and many people fall short of those needs without realizing it (9).

Magnesium is often referred to as “nature’s chill pill,” and for good reason. It supports over 300 biochemical reactions in the body (10), including:

• Serotonin and dopamine production
  
  

• Cortisol regulation and adrenal health
  
  

• Muscle and nerve relaxation
  
  

• Sleep quality and energy metabolism (3)
  
  

When magnesium levels are low, the nervous system becomes more excitable and prone to overreacting to sensory input—like a toddler pawing at your shirt or nursing for comfort, not hunger.

Research also suggests that magnesium deficiency is linked to increased anxiety, irritability, and depression , particularly in postpartum and pregnant populations (4). This creates a physiological basis for the emotional distress some parents feel during breastfeeding.

Low magnesium may contribute to:

• Heightened sensitivity to touch
  
  

• Irrational anger or agitation
  
  

• Insomnia and poor recovery
  
  

• Increased symptoms of PMDD or postpartum anxiety
   

Recognizing the emotional and physiological demands of breastfeeding and parenting, Legendairy Milk created  Miss Bliss —a unique supplement formulated to promote calm, balance, and oxytocin support during breastfeeding and postpartum recovery.*

Here’s what’s inside, and how it can support parents navigating nursing aversion:

A chelated, bioavailable form of Magnesium that’s gentle on the gut and easily absorbed. Magnesium Bisglycinate is especially effective for calming the sympathetic nervous system , reducing cortisol spikes, and restoring a sense of equilibrium (5).

This patented Saffron extract has been clinically studied for its ability to reduce symptoms of PMS, PMDD, and mild-to-moderate depression . In a randomized trial, women who took 28 mg of affron® daily for two cycles reported reduced mood swings, anxiety, and depression symptoms related to PMS (6).

Saffron works by modulating serotonin and dopamine pathways—directly impacting mood, motivation, and emotional regulation.

Naturally found in green tea, this amino acid supports alpha brain wave activity and creates a relaxed but alert state—perfect for calming overstimulation during breastfeeding without drowsiness (7).

Oxytocin is the “feel good” hormone released during breastfeeding—it’s responsible for milk letdown and emotional bonding. But here’s the kicker: stress blocks oxytocin (12).

When you're overstimulated, anxious, or sleep-deprived, oxytocin release can be impaired—leading to less rewarding nursing sessions and potentially contributing to aversion.

Magnesium and Saffron both play a role in restoring oxytocin signaling by lowering stress hormones and improving parasympathetic nervous system function. That means a calmer, more connected feeding experience—not just for your baby, but for you too (4, 6).

Alongside Magnesium supplementation, here are a few tools that may help:

• Shorten nursing sessions or set time limits if needed

  • For older children, counting to 20 or singing the ABCs is a great way to give a clear boundary.

• Use grounding tools during feeds (like ice cubes, fidget toys, or guided breathing)

  • Check out the Feher meditation here!

• Adjust positions —side-lying or hands-free nursing can reduce sensory load. Avoid nursing with your entire top off to prevent twiddling.

• Communicate with your child (yes, even toddlers!) about what feels okay

Nursing aversion is not selfish. It’s not a sign you don’t love your baby or want to stop breastfeeding. It’s a signal from your body that it needs care, balance, and support.

Whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding a toddler, navigating hormonal fluctuations postpartum, or something else entirely, your experience matters . And tools like Magnesium, Saffron, and intentional nervous system care can make a measurable difference in how you feel.

Miss Bliss was designed with all of this in mind: to help breastfeeding parents feel held, hormonally supported, and emotionally equipped —so you can continue showing up in a way that feels good for both you and your baby.

1. Gribble, K. (2014). Mother-led weaning and child-led weaning: Distinctions and influence on the emotional experience of breastfeeding. International Breastfeeding Journal, 9(1), 3.
   
   

2. Yonkers, K.A. et al. (2008). Premenstrual Syndrome. Lancet, 371(9619), 1200–1210. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(08)60527-9
   
   

3. Gröber, U., et al. (2015). Magnesium in prevention and therapy. Nutrients, 7(9), 8199–8226. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7095388
   
   

4. Wienecke, T., et al. (2016). Oxytocin, a regulator of anti-stress, well-being, and social interaction: What’s new regarding the neurobiology of love? Frontiers in Neuroscience, 10, 512. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2016.00512
   
   

5. Walker, A.F., et al. (2003). Magnesium supplementation alleviates premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention. Journal of Women's Health, 12(9), 873–880. https://doi.org/10.1089/154099903322643855
   
   

6. Tamba, B., et al. (2021). Effectiveness of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on premenstrual syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders,  PMC7792881
   
   

7. Nathan, P.J., et al. (2006). The neuropharmacology of L-theanine (N-ethyl-L-glutamine): A possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 6(2), 21–30.

8. Yate, Z. M. (2017). A qualitative study on negative emotions triggered by breastfeeding; describing the phenomenon of breastfeeding/nursing aversion and agitation in breastfeeding mothers. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 22(6), 449–454. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5684792/

9. Fanni, D., et al. (2020). The role of magnesium in pregnancy and in fetal programming of adult diseases. Biological Trace Element Research, 199(10), 3647–3657.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-020-02513-0

10. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Magnesium—Health Professional Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health.  https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

11. World Health Organization. (2009). The physiological basis of breastfeeding. In Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. Geneva: World Health Organization.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK148970/