top of page
Mother's Emotional Wellbeing
Many mothers find adjusting to motherhood emotionally challenging. If you experience depressive or anxiety symptoms, you are not alone. (Akman et al., 2008).
2. Although the direction of the relationship is still unclear, in most cases, negative breastfeeding experiences often precede depressive symptomatology, which then leads to breastfeeding cessation (Dias & Figueiredo, 2015)
3. Your initial intention to breastfeed may serve as a mediating factor between breastfeeding status and postpartum depression (Borra, Lacovou, & Sevilla, 2015).
1. Prolonging the breastfeeding relationship is associated with a reduced risk of postpartum depression (Akman et al., 2008)
For the majority of mothers who are not depressed during pregnancy and who plan to breastfeed their children, breastfeeding as planned significantly decreases the risk of postpartum depression, whereas failing to breastfeed as planned significantly increases the risk (Borra et al., 2015). Providing proper breastfeeding support is essential to lower the risk of postpartum depression.
These findings represent a perfect example of why breastfeeding support is so important. Receiving proper support so that you increase you chances of having positive breastfeeding experiences can make all the difference.
If you feel that you, or a loved one, may be suffering from post partum depression, please contact one of these local resources:
San Luis Obispo Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Line:
805-541-3367
Postpartum Depression Support Group at Twin Cities Hospital:
"For new mothers experiencing the baby blues, or are having difficulty adjusting to motherhood. This support group is facilitated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Babies and support persons welcomed!
Meets monthly-third Wednesday of every month from noon – 1:30pm".
http://www.twincitieshospital.com/enUS/cwsapps/findanevent.aspx
bottom of page