It has long been understood that breastfeeding comes with a wealth of benefits for both mother and child. What isn’t often understood (or even discussed) is that it can also take a serious toll on a mother's physical and mental health.
Society puts a lot of pressure on mothers to breastfeed, while simultaneously criticizing them for public breastfeeding and making it difficult for breastfeeding mothers to maintain a career. In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we are having an honest conversation about the powerful influence breastfeeding has on maternal mental health—both positive and negative. Read on for the ways you can offer support!
Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of postpartum depression according to several studies in the last couple of decades. Additionally, there may be a link to providing the infant with protection against some illnesses and disorders. Many women enjoy breastfeeding and believe that it improves their maternal/infant bonding experience. But for a large number of mothers breastfeeding doesn't happen easily. Struggling with things like low supply, mastitis, pain, sleep deprivation, and diet restrictions can create a lot of stress for the mother and the entire family. Mothers who are not able to breastfeed easily could experience feelings of anxiety, guilt, and inadequacy. Making matters worse is an enormous amount of pressure from society to be the best—parental peer pressure often comes with unrealistic expectations. Like the pressure to exclusively breastfeed despite a number of reasons that make it difficult, including the mother’s mental health.
“Breast is best” is a well-intended slogan, developed to encourage women to breastfeed. But it is also a hurtful term that stigmatizes parents who are unable to or choose not to breastfeed. The Breast is Best campaign places a large emphasis on small and short-lived benefits while ignoring the benefits of formula and the many reasons why parents need options. Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, combination feeding, formula feeding, or pumping—a lot of time and resources are necessary to get the job done. And each one provides adequate nutrition to the child.
For women who want and can breastfeed, it is a rewarding and memorable experience. It is also a physically demanding and emotionally impactful commitment. Here are ways you can support breastfeeding mothers while also destigmatizing the choice to formula feed.
1. Educate yourself on the benefits and the challenges of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not an easy or free option. It requires:
But it also has great benefits for the families who can and want to breastfeed. Benefits may include a lower chance of postpartum depression, passive immunity protection from some illnesses, convenience, and a unique bonding experience.
2. Offer support to parents, regardless of how they choose to provide nourishment to their infants. For breastfeeding parents, you can offer your support by normalizing breastfeeding whenever and wherever the mother and child are comfortable. Make sure the breastfeeding parent has access to the extra food and water they need for milk production. Partners can alleviate some of the burdens by caring for supplies and making sure the breastfeeding parent has plenty of opportunities to catch up on sleep.
3. Avoid using harmful language like "breast is best". Understand that breastfeeding is not the best choice for all families. And that formula is a safe and nutritionally complete choice for substituting breastmilk. Offer your support towards Fed is Best campaigns that are inclusive of the feeding preferences of all parents.
Above all, be aware of the mental health implications of struggling to breastfeed. Many parents have a desire to breastfeed and are either unable to for reasons out of their control. This can cause a strain on a mother’s mental health. Though breastfeeding is linked to a lower chance of PPD, struggling to breastfeed can increase a mother’s chance of developing postpartum depression.
It is important to remember that every parent's journey is different, and there is no superior way of providing nourishment to a child. Whether a parent chooses to breastfeed for one day or one year, fed is always best. If you or a loved one in the California or Nevada areas is struggling with the mental impact of feeding an infant, Medens Health has licensed therapists who are ready to support you and help you improve your mental health. Call us at 833-624-5400 or Get Started now!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
%201.png)
