Coping with the emotions that come with having a new baby can be challenging, and breastfeeding may contribute to feelings of stress. A new study published in The Journal of Women’s Health examined the prevalence of postpartum depression and other mental health concerns among breastfeeding women. Postpartum depression is more common than many realize. It affects 8 to 13 percent of women after having a child, making it one of the most common perinatal mood disorders. But even though breastfeeding may help some women who are depressed feel better, many others struggle with negative feelings about it or motherhood in general.
In addition, the challenges for new mothers are often compounded by social isolation and feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities at hand. This study explored some coping strategies used by those who were struggling with depression as well as support available from family, friends, and healthcare providers.
Pay attention to the symptoms.
Many women think that if they don’t experience the classic symptoms of depression – sadness, loss of pleasure in usual activities, change in eating and sleeping habits, feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and self-blame – they won’t have a problem. But this is not the case. You don’t have to experience all of these symptoms to be depressed. If you experience a few, but not all of them, either during pregnancy or after giving birth, you may be depressed. The best thing to do is to talk to a healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms: feeling hopeless, difficulty concentrating, feeling worthless, irritability, restlessness, excessive crying, decreased interest in activities you used to enjoy, feelings of guilt or self-blame.
Exercise and eat well
Doing exercises that you enjoy and that challenge your body, such as swimming, yoga, Pilates, or weight lifting, can help you feel better physically. Engaging in activities that require using your imagination, such as painting, writing, or crafting, can also be helpful. Eating a well-balanced diet high in iron, calcium, and other nutrients needed to support a healthy mood is important. Avoiding sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks that can quickly contribute to feelings of low energy and low mood.
Seek out social support.
Engaging in social activities that you enjoy can help you feel connected to others and less anxious about being alone. It can also help you build relationships that may prove useful in the future. For example, having a go-to person to talk to when you’re feeling overwhelmed or blue is a good idea. This could be a family member, a close friend, or a community organization, such as a parent support group.
Get help from sources other than healthcare providers.
Many mental health resources are available to breastfeeding mothers, such as breastfeeding lactation consultants, peer support groups, and online resources. Healthcare providers can also be a good resource for information and support, as they know your health history and medications. Healthcare providers may also have connections to other services, such as child and family therapy or social skills workshops.
Learn about postpartum depression.
Postpartum mood disorders are not just a one-time thing – they can last months or years. If you think you or someone you know may be experiencing postpartum mood disorders, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider or seek professional help. There are a few things you can do to learn more about how these illnesses affect breastfeeding women. Ask your provider to take you to the postpartum unit at your hospital, or look online for a feeding support group. You can also talk to other moms with experience with these issues and who can be your guide.
Take care of yourself to remain mentally healthy.
Many factors can contribute to stress and overwhelm, including work pressure, family conflicts, and financial pressures. All these can make it more difficult to attend to your needs, like taking time for yourself, eating well, getting enough sleep, and relaxing. One of the best ways to prevent postpartum depression is by seeking social support. This can be friends at work, family members, or a community organization that provides social support, such as a parent support group. You can also try volunteering or attending educational programs or cultural activities that allow you to disconnect from work and other responsibilities.
Conclusion
Milk is an excellent source of nutrition and can improve the health and growth of your child. But breastfeeding is not a risk-free activity, and it may not be right for every woman. If you are struggling with postpartum depression, seeking help and being prepared to care for yourself is important. Postpartum depression is treatable; the sooner it’s caught, the better the outcome. This article has provided information on the prevalence of postpartum depression and some strategies for coping with breastfeeding challenges.