Mothers go through an incredible and often arduous journey with their mental health during pregnancy and after birth. In fact, between 10% to 20% of women are affected by mental health disorders during and after their pregnancy, including anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
Breastfeeding can be daunting for mothers and may cause stress and anxiety for both mother and baby, especially if there isn’t appropriate and accessible support available.
Breastfeeding is a good option for babies and their mothers, it can support the growth of baby teeth, increase cognitive development, improve immunity, and reduce health complications for babies, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and diabetes. However, not every mother has access the right support and information to comfortably and happily breastfeed.
Breastfeeding and mental health
After birth can be a particularly turbulent time for mothers and infants, especially if the mother is coping with new or pre-existing mental health challenges.
However, evidence suggests that breastfeeding can have a preventative effect on mental illness developing. In a study, it was found that mothers who breastfed where 50% less likely to become depressed compared to other mothers who did not breastfeed.
Despite this, the relationship between breastfeeding and mental health is widely unknown and it is important to remember that it is entirely individualized to the mother and her baby. What may work for one mother, may not work for another.
Why is breastfeeding support necessary?
Women deserve support, especially after a life-changing and potentially traumatic event, like childbirth. Breastfeeding can come naturally to some mothers, but for others it may feel like climbing a mountain. New mothers may not have the right information to comfortably breastfeed, and this can become stressful and scary without the right support.
It’s important for mothers to have access to breastfeeding support that improves knowledge and understanding, including how to comfortably breastfeed, understand the basics of breastfeeding, and how breastfeeding fits into their individual situation. This is why it is always beneficial to have someone (such as a lactation consultant) who knows the mother and their specific situation and body, so they can advise based on their health and wellbeing. Without support, mothers could face a decline in their mental health and wellbeing.
The Breastfeeding Network reported that around 15% of women who contact the Drugs in Breastmilk information service about the affects of their mental health, such as taking anti-depressants whilst breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Network have also reported that women have been told to stop taking their anti-depressant medication without realising that evidence suggests this isn’t necessary, subsequently risking their mental health. With appropriate support, mothers can feel more confident in their choices and ability to breastfeed.
Babies don’t always latch immediately and establishing breastfeeding with a child can be difficult without the appropriate support. It can also be painful for some women and tiring trying to juggle the new world of having a newborn as well as getting to grips with breastfeeding.
According to research, 1-5% of women cannot breastfeed which can unfairly weigh heavily on mothers mental health because of stigma surrounding women who do not breastfeed. Mothers may even feel a pressure to breastfeed because of this stigma and social pressures which can be stressful for those who are unable to. They may feel judged or fear for their baby’s health, and mothers who use formula maybe criticized by others. With appropriate and specific support, mothers can feel confident in their choices of whether they will breastfeed or not.
Support for women breastfeeding
If you are (or anyone you know is) breastfeeding and need some support, there are a few ways to access help in order to safeguard you and the baby.
NHS breastfeeding support
Contact your midwife or healthcare visitor to access more information on how to access 1-to-1 support. They can provide you with help that is relevant to you, your baby, and your mental health.
Contact breastfeeding specific helplines
National Breastfeeding helpline- This open all year round and you can talk to a trained person, who will understand what you are going through and provide relevant information to support you in your breastfeeding journey. They also accept calls from partners, family members, and friends. The number is 0300 100 0212.
Association of Breastfeeding Mother- You can contact the ABM on 0300 330 0700 where you will be able to speak to trained counsellors to discuss any specific breastfeeding worries or concerns about you, your baby, and your mental health.
- Consider a lactation consultant
Lactation consultants will provide tailored advice on how to best cope with any breastfeeding worries you have. Lactation consultants will know you and your individual situation which can be good for specific challenges you are having, such as latching on issues, breastfeeding positions, and how to prepare for breastfeeding.
*Keep a close eye on mental health
Having a new baby can feel overwhelming and exciting all at the same time, you may not feel as though you have enough time to check in with yourself and your mental health. It is imperative that you keep a close eye on your mental health at this time and seek support should you feel that it is necessary. Keeping a daily or weekly journal of how you feel can be helpful for keeping track of your mental health.
