Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression: How does one Impact the Other?

As a new parent emotions are running high. Whether that be the sleep deprivation, or hormones, or even concerns about how you’ll feed your growing baby, we understand where you’re coming from. 

Breastfeeding has health benefits but in some situations it can also have a detrimental effect on one's mental health. 

While you read this blog it’s important to remember that how you choose to feed your baby does not make you a good or bad parent. You need to feel good in order to parent effectively so don’t let anyone else guilt you into thinking otherwise.

Psychological Benefits and Detriments to Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding and postpartum depression and anxiety have a little bit of a complicated relationship. Some studies say that breastfeeding can be a proactive measure against postpartum disorders however, difficulties with breastfeeding can actually cause an onset of postpartum depression or anxiety. 

Breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby but it is not the only way. It also sometimes provides parents with reassurance that they are doing their job well and can relax a bit. 

4 Positive Effects Breastfeeding can have Positive Affect on your Mental Health

1. Bonding with Baby

Breastfeeding can help foster a deep emotional connection to your baby by releasing a chemical in your brain called oxytocin which is oftentimes referred to as the “bonding hormone.” 

2. Lactation and Stress

The stress hormone, cortisol, is decreased in breastfeeding mothers lowering stress responses. 

3. Self Efficacy and Confidence

Those who breastfeed tend to have higher self efficacy levels which also results in higher confidence levels. 

4. Breastfeeding and Sleep

Breastfeeding is related to changes in sleep cycles for both mother and baby. These changes can help reduce maternal fatigue aiding in prevention of depressive symptoms. A study found that those who breastfeed sleep on average 2.6 hours longer than those who choose another method of feeding. 

Although breastfeeding comes with many pros, no method of feeding is without its cons or negatives.

4 Negative Impacts Breastfeeding can have on your Mental Health

1. Pressure to Breastfeed 

The perceived societal pressure to breastfeed your baby can result in a negative impact on your mental health. Failure to breastfeed effectively can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

2. Difficulties when Breastfeeding

If your baby is not responding well to breastfeeding or can’t due to medical reasons this can be incredibly frustrating as a parent and lead to anxiety surrounding this issue.

Other reasons one may have difficulty breastfeeding include milk not coming in, the breast is too large, latching difficulties, or even that the baby has a tongue tie. 

These difficulties can also cause a lack of sleep and lack of sleep is a big contributor to developing a postpartum disorder. 

3. Dysphoria Following Breastfeeding

Symptoms of dysphoria include unhappiness, frustration, and unease. These symptoms can be triggered immediately after breastfeeding due to the body releasing hormones as a result of breastfeeding. Dysphoria is very unsettling to new parents as they expect to feel closer and bonded to their baby following breastfeeding. These emotions can thus trigger postpartum depression or anxiety as a result. 

4. Physical Ailments

Some women develop cracked or painful nipples as a result of breastfeeding. It’s possible to even develop a severe breast infection if milk is not being expelled properly. This can lead to a lower desire to breastfeed ultimately causing feelings of guilt. This makes the parents' mental health decline as they feel guilty for wanting to prioritize their wellbeing over breastfeeding the baby. 

What Factors of Breastfeeding can Heighten your Risk of Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety?

Symptoms of postpartum depression include loss of pleasure or interest in things you once enjoyed, eating much more or much less, anxiety, racing thoughts, excessive irritability, and misery. 

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety include: staying awake all night to ensure your baby is okay, inability to leave your baby alone with any other trusted adults that aren’t you, fear for your baby that makes you not want to leave the house, disrupted sleep, trouble sitting still, and feeling on edge all the time. 

In Canada in 2019, postpartum disorders affected around one quarter (23%) of those who had recently given birth. 

Risk factors include a change in hormone levels following childbirth, previous history of depression or anxiety, the stress of caring for a newborn, a child with special needs or medical complications, very young motherhood or older motherhood, other emotional stress such as finances or death of a family member, and isolation or lack of support. 

Breastfeeding difficulties, as mentioned above, that are not your fault or your babies can make the breastfeeding experience extremely stressful. This stress then plays a role in sleep/wake cycles, could cause some friction within your relationship with your partner, and even make you begin questioning your readiness to become a parent. 

These thoughts often snowball and become worse and worse as problems continue to occur. This is another common trigger for developing a postpartum disorder and if you find these negative feelings and thoughts persist or get worse you should consult your healthcare professional, or talk to a trusted friend or family member. 

If you have the above risk factors this doesn’t mean you will get postpartum depression or anxiety but it does mean you should take extra precautions to avoid it. Try leaning on family members or your spouse, ensure that any symptoms that do arise you immediately consult your health professional, and take steps to ensure you are prioritizing yourself when you can as well. 

Parenting is not black and white, there is no right or wrong way. Just the way that works for you and you think will work for your baby. Keep that in mind throughout the early stages of being a parent, and ensure you give yourself grace.

What does the Research say about the Connection to Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety?

As stated previously, a complex relationship exists between breastfeeding and postpartum depression and anxiety and further research needs to be completed to gain 100% understanding between the relation. 

Initial research found that postpartum depression resulted in lower rates of breastfeeding and earlier cessation of breastfeeding as well. 

More recent research however suggests that although a mother already diagnosed with postpartum depression is less likely to breastfeed, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing postpartum depression. It’s also being further investigated that there may be some connection between breastfeeding and faster recovery from the symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. 

The Center for Disease Control says that further research needs to be done to confirm these results and hypotheses. They say that it is challenging to gather sufficient evidence as mothers with postpartum depression have difficulty with latching and initiation and there is evidence that difficulties with latching and initiation can lead to postpartum depression.

How to Work Through the Breastfeeding Phase? 

The main thing you must consider when struggling with negative emotions regarding breastfeeding is what is best for you and your baby. 

If your baby continues to refuse to latch or you have other difficulties like the nipple being too short, not only is this a detriment to your mental health but your baby's physical health as well. 

There are professionals who specialize in such difficulties and are ready to help you. Some of those people include lactation consultants and public health nurses. 

There are also support groups to help parents along their breastfeeding journey and to remind you that it is not always a linear one. 

If you get help for the breastfeeding difficulties but are still experiencing symptoms of postpartum anxiety or depression it’s imperative that you seek help right away before symptoms become more severe. 

Just as there are doctors for different specialties there are therapists with different specialties. Toronto Therapy Practice has an incredible team all with their own strengths and assets. 

We know that you want to be a good parent not only for your child but for yourself as well which is why you have to be kind to yourself and give yourself as much care and attention that you’d give your baby. 

You will be there to help your baby so let Toronto Therapy Practice help you!