Breastfeeding is a process that involves feeding a baby with milk directly from the mother’s breast. It is a natural way to provide babies with essential nutrients necessary for their growth and development. Breastfeeding provides health benefits that support the well-being of both the little one and the mother. It contributes to physical health, emotional bonding, and long-term wellness. It may be good for the breastfeeding woman’s mental health, and also reduce the risk of postpartum depression, which usually happens two to eight weeks after giving birth to a child. This World Breastfeeding Week 2024, explore the connection between breastfeeding and postpartum depression.

What are the health benefits of breastfeeding?

Breast milk has proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It also includes antibodies and other immunological components that help protect the baby from infections and diseases, says lactation expert Ruth Patterson.

Here are the health benefits of breastfeeding for the baby:

• Breast milk helps the baby to get all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.
• It contains antibodies that help the baby fight off viruses and bacteria, reducing the likelihood of infections.
• It lowers the risk of various conditions, including asthma, allergies, ear infections, and respiratory illnesses.

Benefits for the mother:

Women who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of ovarian and breast cancers, according to the World Health Organization.

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• Breastfeeding promotes a strong emotional connection between mother and baby, fostering a sense of security and attachment.
• It stimulates the uterus to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more rapidly, reducing postpartum bleeding.
• It prolongs the period before the return of menstruation, which can act as a natural form of birth control by spacing pregnancies.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression or PPD is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth, usually two to eight weeks after giving birth, according to Unicef. Feeling extremely sad, crying most of the time, having intense anxiety, and no bond between the mother and the baby are some of the postpartum depression symptoms. Approximately one in seven women can have postpartum depression, according to a research published in StatPearls in 2022.

Does breastfeeding lower the risk of postpartum depression?

During a 2012 study published in The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, women who breastfeed their babies were found to have a lower risk of developing PPD. The effects were maintained in those women over the first four months after child delivery. Breastfeeding can also improve mental health. It can help in reducing stress, anxiety, and overall negative mood, as per a research published by SpringerLink in 2018.

Breastfeeding may potentially reduce the risk of postpartum depression through several mechanisms. These include:

1. Hormonal impact

Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin or the “love hormone”, which promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances mood, contributing to a sense of well-being, says Patterson. Prolactin, another hormone involved in milk production, also has calming effects and can help improve mood stability.

2. Physical recovery

The release of oxytocin during breastfeeding helps the uterus contract, reducing postpartum bleeding and aiding in physical recovery. This can positively impact the mental health of new moms.

3. Enhanced bonding

Breastfeeding can lead to building a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. This close contact and interaction can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are risk factors for postpartum depression.

4. Increased confidence

Successfully breastfeeding can boost a mother’s confidence in her ability to care for her baby. This confidence can improve the self-esteem and mental health of the mother.

How to make breastfeeding a smooth process?

Babies should be exclusively breastfed for around the first six months, according to the World Health Organization. Women should continue breastfeeding and give appropriate complementary foods to their children till they turn two or older. Breastfeeding can be challenging for some women, so follow these tips –

1. Educate yourself

Attend breastfeeding classes during pregnancy to learn about the basics, techniques, and what to expect, suggests Patterson. You can also educate yourself through reputable sources on breastfeeding.

2. Get support

Take help from a certified lactation consultant for personalised guidance or join support groups to connect with other breastfeeding mothers. Sharing experiences with new moms can be of great help.

3. Ensure proper latching

Make sure your little one is comfortable, properly positioned and latched onto your breast. The infant’s mouth should cover the nipple as well as a good portion of the areola, says the expert. Also, find a comfortable position for both you and the baby.

4. Establish a routine

Feed your baby on demand, typically 8 to 12 times in 24 hours for newborns. Be prepared for night feedings as well. So, keep your baby close to you to minimise any disruptions. If needed, learn to pump and store breast milk to allow for flexibility and shared feeding responsibilities.

5. Take care of your health

Eat a nutritious and balanced diet to support breast milk production. Also, try to rest when your baby sleeps to prevent exhaustion, which can lead to a decrease in milk supply.

Postpartum depression can affect new moms, and breastfeeding may help to lower its risk. It may help due to oxytocin or the love hormone. Just eat well, and establish a routine to make breastfeeding easy for you and reduce risk of postpartum depression.