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Home » Blogs » Breastfeeding and Mental Health for New Moms – How Breastfeeding Affects Mental Health

  • Wellbeing & Happiness

Breastfeeding and Mental Health for New Moms – How Breastfeeding Affects Mental Health

Reviewed By: Varsha Vartak |
  • Reviewed By: Varsha Vartak
  • Author: admin
  • Published on July 21, 2022
Breastfeeding and Mental Health
Table of Contents

Breastfeeding is a natural biological process. It also has a psychological aspect to it. Breastfeeding and mental health have a link that affects the mother and childโ€™s mental balance.

The beautiful process of a mother nursing her child and feeding her infant her own breast milk is a major step in the mother-child relationship. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) specifically recommends that children be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives to ensure the childโ€™s overall growth and development.

Breastfeeding has a lot to do with the physical health of the mother, but breastfeeding and mental health should not be ignored, and is just as important. Weโ€™ll be examining both in this blog.

Physical Benefits of Breastfeeding for Child

The natural process of breastfeeding has its own benefits. For children, breastfeeding reduces the chances of obesity, diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma and other infections as they grow.

A motherโ€™s milk contains all the nutrients required for the development of the child. It also changes according to the nutritional needs of the child. These nutrients may not be present in formula.

The colostrum produced by the mother is also known as liquid gold. It has the right amount of protein and sugar to prepare the infantโ€™s digestive system for the next batch of milk. On the contrary, milk powder or outside milk is too heavy for the infant to digest. Breastmilk is also a source of passing on the motherโ€™s antibodies to the infant to strengthen the immune system.

Since breast milk is a definite provision, the infantโ€™s brain and body gets conditioned to take in the amount of milk currently required to satisfy hunger. This helps avoid excess intake. Therefore breastfeeding helps regulate the childโ€™s body weight and prevents childhood obesity.

Physical Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother

As for the mothers, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and decreases the chances of developing postpartum depression.

Breastfeeding has also helped many women lose the weight they gained during pregnancy. Lactating mothers burn fat faster as compared to non-lactating mothers. Along with that, the contraction of the uterus to its original size is observed to occur faster in lactating mothers.

History of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW)

WBW: What, When, Where, Why and Who

World Breastfeeding Beek was first celebrated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF in 1992. It was an initiative to protect their physical health and promote wellness with a focus on breastfeeding and mental health, as well.  Currently, close to 170 countries observe breastfeeding week. 

Themes for Breastfeeding Week

Each year, a new theme is launched. The previous themes included the baby friendly hospital initiative, support for working mothers, nutrition, healthy mother healthy babies and others.The themes may also incorporate the topic of breastfeeding and mental health. 

How itโ€™s Celebrated

There are many ways to observe the week starting with learning and sharing the benefits of breastfeeding, educating moms about breastfeeding and mental health, sharing personal  experiences, and encouraging new mothers to breastfeed their infants.

WABA Initiative for 2022

In 2022, the theme โ€˜Step up For breastfeeding – Educate and Supportโ€™ focuses on awareness around survival, wellbeing, breastfeeding and mental health, and its benefits.

WABA has a social media toolkit to spread awareness and educate people about breastfeeding basics and breastfeeding and mental health, across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Cherish the beauty of motherhood and rediscover yourself in a new role

Reach out to experts for guidance and comfort

Psychological Importance of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and mental health have an effect on each other – which we will be discussing below.

Mother – Child Bonding:

The first feeding plays a major role in formation of the mother and child bond. It involves skin to skin contact, cuddling, body warmth and body fragrance. All of which are known to strengthen bonds. As the feeding sessions carry on smoothly, it provides the mother satisfaction that she is capable of satisfying her baby – a significant mood-booster in relation to breastfeeding and mental health.

According to experts, the close relationship between mother and child reduces chances of personality problems, behavioral and social issues as the child grows. So breastfeeding and mental health impacts not just the mother, but the child as well.

The infant can sense the motherโ€™s ongoing emotions. Therefore, if the mother is anxious or in a depressive state, the child senses it through contact. Which indirectly impacts the childโ€™s physical as well as mental health.

A study published by American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that breastfeeding develops a maternal sensitivity in all mothers, which is why there is a strong relation between breastfeeding and mental health. Maternal sensitivity is the motherโ€™s ability to be emotionally available for her child, understanding his needs at a given moment and calming the infant. This sensitivity lasts beyond the breastfeeding period and toddler years going well into the childโ€™s adolescence.

A sudden shift in environment is always disturbing – so imagine how breastfeeding and mental health are impacted postpartum, for the new mother, and the baby, for whom the shift from the motherโ€™s womb to the outside world can be difficult to adjust to. Breastfeeding is the one act that offers the child the contact and access to the motherโ€™s body and its provisions.

Negative Impacts of failed Breastfeeding

New mothers are under a lot of pressure in regards to breastfeeding. This is why breastfeeding and mental health get impacted if she is unable to produce enough milk.

Moms are expected to provide the baby with all the nutrition needed through their own bodies. Breastfeeding is a demand and supply process. The mother produces according to the demand of the child, but sometimes, a new mother may not be lactating enough, or at all – and hence, cannot feed her infant. This is known as disrupted lactation or lactation failure which happens due to certain biological complications.They always have an option of using milk powder or feeding their child other milk.

This is where breastfeeding and mental health get negatively impacted. When moms cannot meet the expectations of feeding their own children, they are often judged and questioned about their choice of external feeding. The speculation from doctors, relatives and others leads to the mother feeling guilty about her shortcomings.

The mother then feels insecure of her own body sometimes to the extent that she begins disliking her own body. Breastfeeding and mental health issues can run deep and there have been cases when a non-lactating mother comes up to a mental health professional with body image issues, lack of self-esteem and high level of self doubt.

These self-related issues have a higher tendency to give way to anxiety and depression.

Breastfeeding and Motherโ€™s Mental Health

Breastfeeding does cause physical changes to a motherโ€™s body and new moms are given nutrient-dense foods to keep up with her new physical health requirements. However, breastfeeding and motherโ€™s mental health requires as much attention, since several hormonal changes are taking place postpartum. 

Motherโ€™s hormones during breastfeeding:

During lactation, the female body produces prolactin which in turn reduces the luteinizing hormone (LH), the hormone responsible for the release of the egg during ovulation. 

During the duration of pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels are high and they suppress the production of prolactin. But within the next three days post delivery, the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop drastically giving a rise to the levels of prolactin. This is how breastfeeding and motherโ€™s mental health are linked: hormones.

The quick changes in hormones greatly impact the mothers physiological and psychological state. Another observation during breastfeeding was that after feeding, the motherโ€™s levels of oxytocin increased. Oxytocin affects oneโ€™s social cognition and social behavior hence, the mothers have a more positive perception of people and situations.

Many women are prone to postpartum depression. Breastfeeding their baby increases their happy hormones which reduces the possibilities of postpartum depression. Although, cases have been reported where the mother has postpartum depression and refuses to feed it or even accept the baby. This is another clear indicator that we must not ignore breastfeeding and mental health.

Breastfeeding and Infantโ€™s Mental Health

During a feeding session, some change is observed in the childโ€™s electroencephalogram (EEG).

This response is the result of the activation of hunger and satisfaction mechanisms while the child is latched on. These mechanisms include the functioning of the hypothalamic system, limbic system and other brain stems which regulate the sleep-wake cycle and maintain attention and alertness. 

The same EEG when done during a bottle feeding session gives a similar but reduced response. Hence proving that nursing has a higher impact on the childโ€™s brain activity.

Studies have shown that breastfeeding the child ensures a higher level of IQ. At the same time, the skin to skin touch, the eye contact during nursing, the warmth of the motherโ€™s skin and her body fragrance provide the child a sense of security which has a positive effect on their emotional development as well as attachment style.

Multiple studies have proven that a baby begins recognizing the motherโ€™s face and body odor within the first few days after birth. Their enhanced sense of smell assist them to identify their mother specifically based on the odor of the breast milk.

Research done by Patrick Leung, Amy Yang and Jianghong Liu suggests that breastfeeding improves the infant’s neurodevelopment, especially cognitive functioning and language development. (Another way in which breastfeeding and mental health of the infant is connected.)

The researchers also concluded that a breastfed child has reduced chances of acquiring internal disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Research by Brown University suggests that breastfeeding ensures a boost in the infantโ€™s growth and development by 20 to 30 percent. Breastfed children above the age of 2 have better language skills, motor control and visual perception.

According to Maslowโ€™s hierarchy of needs, the physiological needs of food, water, warmth and rest are being met by the mother during feeding. The comfort of the mothers touch and affection through her care fulfills the infantโ€™s safety needs as well. The next requirement being love and belonging is provided by the mother inevitably. Hence the childโ€™s basic needs are fulfilled through his primary contact itself which provides him a head start with development and achievements. 

Lactation Counselling

Breastfeeding and mental health are two sides of a coin since they impact each other and the overall wellbeing of mother and child. So in cases where the mother struggles to lactate, counseling may help.

What is lactation counselling?

Breastfeeding is a natural process but nursing is not easy for all mothers. Some may feel that a process like this will not need an exclusive consultant. On the contrary, new mothers face various barriers at the initial stages of breastfeeding. To overcome those barriers, consulting a professional, for instance a lactation counselor, is always beneficial.

Qualification of lactation counsellors:

Lactation counselors are certified professionals who assist the mother deal with issues like sore nipples, low or no milk supply, infants refusal to latch on and others. They help you find a breastfeeding method that best fits you and your child. In many cases lactation counselors also help new mothers to cope with the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Who gives lactation counselling:

The initial guidance regarding breastfeeding is generally provided by midwives, nurses, physicians, gynecologists or obstetricians. But, before raising concerns regarding breastfeeding, make sure your consultant has an additional certification through International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE).

When is lactation counselling given?

In the days right after the delivery, while the mother is still in the hospital, a lactation counselor may visit as standard practice or a visit can be requested by the family. Usually it is the nurses who assist with the first feeding. It may happen that the feedings in the hospital go well but once home, problems arise. In such a case, there is no need to panic or question yourself. A simple home visit by a lactation counselor is likely to solve the problem.

Breastfeeding and Mental Health: Conclusion

As read above, the process of breastfeeding is highly recommended by health professionals. It has its physical, intellectual and psychological benefits. Although, any motherโ€™s lack of ability to breastfeed has an adverse effect on her physical and mental health.

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has taken up the initiative of spreading awareness and educating people about breastfeeding. For this purpose they observe world breastfeeding week all over the globe, in around 170 countries.

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with Ananda

Do you know a new mom, or are you a new mom? This year,prioritize breastfeeding and mental health with us. Ananda is offering a FREE 45 mins session to all new mothers between August 1st to August 7th, 2022. Share this with someone you know who you can use it!

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Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Does breastfeeding affect mothers' mental health?

Breastfeeding and mental health have linkes. Even though a biological process, has psychological effects. Breastfeeding creates a positive impact on the mothers mental health when it goes smoothly. Although, lactation failure causes extreme negative effects on the motherโ€™s mental health causing self-doubt issues, depression and body image disorders.

Is breastfeeding hard/bad on mental health?

Breastfeeding is a natural process hence only in adverse situations does it have negative effects on mental health.

Does breastfeeding make you more depressed?

On the contrary, breastfeeding produces feel good hormones which elevate the woman’s mood. Breastfeeding and mental health are connected to your hormonal balance and will influence your mood.

Do breastfed babies have better mental health?

According to research, breastfed babies have better mental growth and development. They have shown a higher score on intelligence quotient and emotional quotient tests.

Can breastfeeding cause mental problems?

NO, on the contrary the absence of breastfeeding can cause mental health issues according to multiple studies.

Do breastfed babies have better mental health?

Along with the proven physiological benefits, research shows that breastfeeding has a huge and long lasting effect on thoughts, understanding, overall behaviour. Forย  instance, babies who are breastfed are likely to have stronger critical thinking and reasoning skills. Babies who are breastfed are also likely to have lower risk for social and emotional problems such as anxiety, struggle forming friendships and concentration and related issues.

Are the psychological factors responsible for lactation failure?

Breastfeeding failure does have a significant association with psychological factors including dispositional optimism, breastfeeding self-efficacy, faith in breastmilk, breastfeeding expectations, anxiety, along with pre-existing mental health issues.

Breastfeeding and mental health are also impacted by the environmental, personal and social conditions pre-postnatal.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can cause physical discomfort in the form of sore or cracked nipples, breast engorgement or mastitis, in severe cases. But it is largely positive for the health of the mother and child, especially in terms of breastfeeding and mental health.

Does breast milk have long term effects?

Research and studies that breastfeeding does have long term positive effects on the wellbeing and immunity of the child.

Can women breastfeed forever?

While there is no maximum age upto which a woman can lactate, it generally happens after birth, because the lactogen process starts immediately. Also, post 40, women experience hormonal changes due to which breastmilk production may get hampered.

References

  • https://waba.org.my/ – Rebekah Clark. The History of World Breastfeeding Day. Motherlove.ย 
Donna Murray. (2020). World Breastfeeding Week. Verywellfamily.
  • https://www.motherlove.com/blogs/all/the-history-of-world-breastfeeding-week
  • https://www.verywellfamily.com/world-breastfeeding-week-3897637
Patrick Leung, Amy Yang,Jianghong Liu. (2013). National Library of Medicine.
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3916850/
Audrey Hamilton. (2017). Bonding Benefits of Breastfeeding Extend Years Beyond Infancy. American Psychological Association.ย 
  • https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/10/bonding-breastfeeding
Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Healthcare. National Library of Medicine.
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304199/
  • https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1
Catherine Crider. (2020). No Breastmilk After Birth?. Healthline
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/no-breast-milk-after-delivery-what-to-do
Reyhan Harmanci. (2018). What No One Tells You About Not Being Able to Breastfeed. The CUT.
  • https://www.thecut.com/2018/05/the-truth-about-not-being-able-to-breastfeed.htmlย 
Melissa Kotlen. (2021). What to Expect From a Lactation Consultant. Verywell Family.
  • https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-to-expect-from-a-lactation-consultant-431823ย 
Christopher Bergland. (2013). Breastfeeding Boosts the Brain Development of a Baby. Psychology Today.
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201306/breastfeeding-boosts-the-brain-development-baby
Adda B. 11 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Both Mom and Baby. Healthline
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/11-benefits-of-breastfeeding#takeawayย 

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