Feeding Support

Breastfeeding & Mental Health

When Breastfeeding Doesn't Outweigh Mental Health

Studies

Psychological stress reduces the immunological benefits of breast milk (2019)

[Article requires a fee to access; I have a copy I can email]

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.

New Evidence on Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression: The Importance of Understanding Women’s Intentions (2014)

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) [linked from 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)