Navigating Postpartum Anxiety and Depression while Breastfeeding
Updated: Jun 16, 2022
Breastfeeding support for moms who want to breastfeed and seeking better answers than "it's okay to quit."
Have you been told that your mental health is more important than breastfeeding your baby? Fed is best? "There's nothing wrong with switching for formula," they said. I have a question... why do breastfeeding moms need to choose one or the other? I'm here to tell you, you don't. You don't have to choose between your mental health and nourishing your baby. Here's why:
Let's Get the Facts Straight
According to the National Institutes of Health and United States National Library of Medicine, "...in women who were not depressed before delivery, the risk of postpartum depression was decreased if they had intended to breastfeed and initiated breastfeeding." [NIH]
They go on to say, "...women who never established breastfeeding were reported to have a 2.4-fold chance of developing depressive symptoms at 16 weeks postpartum compared to breastfeeding women" [NIH]
I am not here to say that breastfeeding is not mentally challenging or that moms who breastfeed don't ever experience postpartum anxiety and depression. If you have experienced postpartum anxiety or depression while breastfeeding, you're not alone - because I did too. All I am saying that there is more research supporting the fact that breastfeeding decreases the chances of and severity of PPD/PPA rather than being the cause.
The Superpower in Breastfeeding: Reversing Societal Lies
What's so interesting is research has actually shown the cause and effect between breastfeeding and PPA/PPD to be reverse of what society has been telling us.
Society tells us that breastfeeding causes poor mental health while the National Institute of Health suggests that postpartum depression has been a risk factor for not starting and quitting breastfeeding. Furthermore, the NIH goes on to suggest that breastfeeding may even protect against postpartum depression.
"...while postpartum depression may reduce rates of breastfeeding, not engaging in breastfeeding may increase the risk of postpartum depression. Additionally, there is some evidence that breastfeeding may protect against postpartum depression or assist in a swifter recovery from symptoms." [NIH]
It's no wonder why moms are left mourning their decision to quit breastfeeding in exchange for hopes of better mental health. Breastfeeding is not the cause.
Positive & Negative Breastfeeding Experiences
Thus far, we've discussed breastfeeding, the act of breastfeeding and its benefits. Let's peel back the onion and talk experiences, particularly negative experiences.
Women who have had a negative breastfeeding experience early on in the breastfeeding journey can be at risk factor for postpartum depression. [NIH] An "early negative breastfeeding experience" may look different for every person and may include latching issues, breast function, or other challenges.
If you know you have had a negative breastfeeding experience early on, but do wish to continue to breastfeed, please don't go at this alone. Seek lactation support to help resolve the function issues, AND confide in a trusted mental health advisor to help you with mental health support.
PPA and PPD Doesn't Discriminate
Chances are you've heard of someone confiding in a friend about their postpartum depression & anxiety and that friend says, "They would be the last person I thought that would struggle with PPA/D!" The reality is that it doesn't matter your ethnicity, weight, how you look or how much money you make, postpartum anxiety and depression can affect anyone.
I've experienced postpartum anxiety myself and have also experienced people telling me they never imaged I'd have it. Look, no one is immune to anxiety and depression. And if I'm being honest, I've always dealt with anxiety even before having babies.
I've been so fortune to have had wonderful breastfeeding experiences, nursing my babies 1yr+. It's hard work.. consistently hard work, but believe it or not, breastfeeding was a huge confidant in fighting the postpartum anxiety and depression. It not only gave me the positive hormones I needed to prevent severe depression but it was also a huge confidence builder. I was proud to nourish my baby through my body and be dedicated to the process.
If I'm perfectly honest, I don't even want to know how bad the anxiety would have gotten had I didn't breastfeed or quit breastfeeding.
The Bottom Line
For someone who planned to breastfeed, had success with breastfeeding, wants to continue to breastfeed, and/or has had positive experiences with breastfeeding, it's important to remember that research has shown that breastfeeding is not the cause for postpartum anxiety and depression. [NIH]
If you think you are experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression while breastfeeding, seek out a trusted advisor. While you continue to breastfeeding, learn what constitutes as a positive breastfeeding experience vs a negative experience for you personally and where that line is for you. Combine that with your breastfeeding goals to determine what's the next best steps for you and your baby are.
You are not alone. You are normal. And yes, you do deserve the best mental health possible, and it can be achievable while breastfeeding. There is no shame in reaching out for another person or tool to support you during this season of life.
If you know of a breastfeeding mama navigating postpartum anxiety or depression, you can empower them by encouraging them to seek out a trusted and educated advisor. Stop empowering breastfeeding women to wean.
Together, let's stop blaming breastfeeding.
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