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Breastfeeding & Mental Health
When Breastfeeding Doesn't Outweigh Mental Health
Expert, confidential & no-cost information about medications and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding by phone, text, email and chat.
Studies
Psychological stress reduces the immunological benefits of breast milk (2019)
Fee to access study; please request a copy of min
Abstract: This study suggests that the established link between psychological stress and immunity may also extend to the immunity of the newborn by reducing the immunological benefits of breast milk. It also suggests that breastfeeding might be a potential mechanism of the relationship between maternal stress and the health of the offspring. Findings highlight the need for interventions addressing women during the postpartum period, in order to ensure the mother's well‐being and the infant's optimal development.
Early Breastfeeding Experiences and Postpartum Depression (2011)
Summary: Negative early breastfeeding experiences, including feelings about breastfeeding and pain with breastfeeding, are associated with postpartum depression at 2 months.
Summary: Our results underline the importance of providing expert breastfeeding support to women who want to breastfeed; but also, of providing compassionate support for women who had intended to breastfeed, but who find themselves unable to.
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Women’s Mental Health
Psychological Distress in the Mother May Affect Levels of Immunoglobulins in Breast Milk (2015)
Web Articles
Stop the Bottle Shaming: Why It’s OK to Not Breastfeed (2016)
This is linked from an MGH article titled Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Mood in First-Time Mothers (2016)
Everybody Calm Down About Breastfeeding (2015)
Breastfeeding is overhyped, oversold, and overrated (2016)
15 Reasons Breastfeeding Is Overrated According To Science (2017)
When Is It Okay Not To Breastfeed? (2012)
Is Breast Always Best? (1999)
Newspapers
New York Times: The Data All Guilt-Ridden Parents Need (2019)
Washington Post: Doctor says: When it comes to breastfeeding, your health and happiness matter as much as your baby’s (2016)
Book
Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool (2019)
There are a few chapters on breastfeeding that highlight evidence on benefits and why a lot of other claims don’t hold up.
Mom & Mind Podcast
Episode 104: Breastfeeding, D-MER and Mental Health with Heidi Koss