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From Playpen to Zen > Breast Feeding & Post Natal Depression
By Melissa Macdonald
October 5, 2010

If you're a breastfeeding mother, postpartum depression needs to be on your watch list. As scary as it sounds, it’s a reality for more mothers than we realise.

Having a baby causes so many changes in a woman’s life. The demands of caring for a new baby 24/7 and the accompanying lack of sleep, combined with the hormonal shifts of pregnancy and childbirth, can take a huge toll on new mums.
With all the pressures on the modern mother, whether it be financial, marital, maternal or work stress, its no wonder so many women are being effected. In fact the stresses of initiating breastfeeding, raises a woman’s cortisol levels, in turn decreasing her milk supply- It’s a vicious cycle.


Studies have shown that once women got breastfeeding going successfully, they had lower cortisol levels and lower levels of depression. So it would seem that supporting a woman in those crucial few weeks post birth is fundamental, yet it seems this is where our health system fails us.


Around 65% of new mothers experience the baby blues in the first two weeks postpartum. Without any reason, they are all of a sudden in tears. They may feel sad, restless, exhausted, and worry about the lack of happy feelings that are supposed to come with the birth of the baby. In most cases, these baby blues are limited to about two weeks and are a completely normal occurrence partly due to a rush of hormones. But for some woman, giving birth triggers something more serious than a simple case of Baby Blues. Postpartum Depression, also called PPD, can affect a new mum's ability to look after her baby. This requires immediate medical attention.

In some cases, the symptoms get worse or develop further after two weeks. Also insomnia, weight loss, confusion, anxiety or feeling emotionally detached from the baby are part of the picture. If these feelings are not resolving on their own within about two weeks, or the symptoms worsen, it is wise to consult a physician to rule out postpartum depression or start treatment.

In some cases a mother develops a postpartum psychosis. The symptoms and feelings are much stronger than with a postpartum depression and a mother may harm herself or her baby. Medical treatment is necessary, admission in a hospital may also be needed.

Breastfeeding difficulties can be a trigger for PND. Through standard health checks with baby nurses and GPs, mental health should be evaluated. The awareness of PND should be raised so that if a family member notices that a new mother is depressed – whether breastfeeding related or not – they take it seriously. And new mothers themselves should be urged to seek help, support or advice before it is too late.

The commonly held belief that mothers suffering from post natal depression will not be able to breastfeed, has been challenged by research from the University of Leicester, which also suggests that the manner in which current breastfeeding promotion strategies are communicated (Breast is Best) may contribute to feelings of guilt and fears of inadequacy by mothers suffering from depression. With 80% of women experiencing difficulties breasfeeding, the ‘breast is best’ campaign can lead women to feelings of guilt and sadness if they are not having any success.

In some cases, breastfeeding contributed to depression by increasing women's sense of being trapped by the dependency of their babies at the expense of their own well-being, and intensifying their feelings of responsibility for keeping their babies alive.

The time spent nourishing and bonding with your baby can be one of the most rewarding experiences a new mum can have. However breastfeeding doesn’t always go according to plan. The World Health Organization recommends that all babies are breastfed exclusively up until 6 months.


In Australia 90% of women initiate breastfeeding in hospital, however by 1 week only 82% are breastfeeding and this declines to only 52% by six months.
Breastfeeding is a skill that must be learned over time by the new mum and the baby as a team, it can take patience and perseverance and some women need extra support. In Australia up to 40% of all new mums are discharged from hospital within 72 hours of delivery, this is a relatively short time for new mums to have access to the support they need to establish successful breastfeeding.

So what’s the answer?
-    Preparation for breastfeeding prior to giving birth so you know what to expect.
-    Asking for help in hospital and when you get home – friends, family, early childhood centre
-    Don’t feel guilty if you give your baby a bottle and don’t let others put pressure on you if that’s what you want to do
-    If you are feeling depressed or unwell seek help immediately and try and tell a family member of friend.


Melissa Macdonald is the author of the best selling book for pregnant women and new mums – “Breastfeeding: Real Mums Tell You How”  She gives her open and honest account of breast and bottle feeding with realistic advice for the modern mum. Other mothers share their stories and advice about breast and bottle feeding with the emphasis on encouragement and support, not guilt or pressure. The book is available online and in leading bookstores throughout Australia and New Zealand RRP $34.95.

 

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