Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression
by Skyla Bowman, RN, BSN

Many mothers find themselves unprepared for the realities of motherhood. Unmet expectations during labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period can bring forth feelings of sadness and disappointment. In addition, the hormonal fluctuations and sleep deprivation that occur in the first weeks after birth largely contribute to the “Baby Blues” experienced by more than half of all new mothers.

Breastfeeding offers some protection against developing PPD by allowing the hormonal changes after birth to occur more gradually. When feelings of sadness intensify rather than fade, and last longer than two weeks, the mother may be suffering from Postpartum Depression (PPD). A mother who is depressed may begin to feel that breastfeeding is the cause of all of her problems. The reality is that most new mothers feel overwhelmed, to some degree, regardless of how they have chosen to feed their baby. It is in the best interest of both the mother and her baby to seek treatment, because research shows that untreated depression in the mother can affect her baby physically, emotionally, and socially.

There are some simple things that mothers can do to ease the transition into motherhood, and to lessen sleep deprivation. Before the baby arrives, enlist the help of family and friends. They can help with meals, errands, and household chores. Sleep when your baby sleeps! Newborns sleep about 15-20 hours each day. Take advantage of it! Learn to nurse lying-down. It is a wonderful way to get some sleep while baby nurses, day or night! Some mothers find groups like La Leche League, a mother-to-mother support group for nursing mothers, to be very beneficial, because they can share their concerns and ask questions of other mothers who have had similar experiences.

Depressed mothers are sometimes reluctant to seek out treatment. Fortunately, nursing mothers have many options when it come to treating PPD. Many antidepressants are safe to take while nursing. Ask your physician to verify safety of medications in the book Medications & Mothers Milk by Dr. Thomas Hale. A physical exam can also rule out other physical causes such as under active thyroid and anemia.

To find out more about extended nursing visit www.kellymom.com, www.llli.org, & www.kathydettwyler.org

Skyla Bowman, is an RN, Breastfeeding Educator, and accredited La Leche League Leader. She can be contacted at breastfeeding_nourishes_the_soul@yahoo.com

You may also reach other leaders at 816-361-0909.