Breastfeeding and Depression

From ScienceDaily (May 3, 2007) — Breastfeeding and the good fats in Omega-3 fatty acids help new moms fight depression, according to a new article published in the International Breastfeeding Journal by a University of New Hampshire researcher.


"Depression in new mothers is common in many cultures, affecting anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent of postpartum women. In some high-risk populations, the percentage can even be as high as 40 percent or 50 percent. Since depression has devastating effects on both mother and baby, it's vital that it be identified and treated promptly. Depressed mothers are also more likely to stop breastfeeding with negative health effects for each," Kathleen Kendall-Tackett said.


According to Kendall-Tackett, physical and psychological stressors increase inflammation, which is one of the top contributors to depression in new mothers. Most current treatments for depression, including the long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, are anti-inflammatory.


"Breastfeeding protects maternal mood by lowering stress. When stress levels are lower, the mother's inflammatory response system will not be activated, thereby lowering her risk of depression," she said.



"However positive these results, I must issue one caveat: they only apply when breastfeeding is going well. As noted earlier, when breastfeeding is not going well, particularly if there is pain, it becomes a trigger to depression rather than something that lessens the risk. Mothers' mental health is yet another reason to intervene quickly when breastfeeding difficulties arise."


That catch-- that benefits are truly reduced when breastfeeding is painful-- is a big one! For the first month after giving birth, my experience with breastfeeding for the first month after childbirth was excruciating. It felt like breastfeeding was causing me more tension and exhaustion, precursors to depression. But because I was seriously commited to continuing, and sought out support from family and a lactation consultant, the breastfeeding eventually became successful and is no longer causing any discomfort. I was glad to see this Science Daily report, since it's one more reason to encourage breastfeeding mothers that it's good for them as well as for their baby.



posted by Jessica Silver, MAOM, L.Ac.