This week is World Breastfeeding Week. Often the discussions are about the benefits of breastfeeding – and in the process, topics on maternal mental health might be neglected. In order to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding, self care and maternal mental health is of the utmost importance. Let’s explore these various aspects of breastfeeding for the mothers and babies.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Baby
- Nutritional Benefits: Breast milk provides the ideal mix of vitamins, protein, and fat.
- Immunological Benefits: Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.
- Digestive Benefits: Breast milk is easier to digest than some formula.
- Reduced Risk of Diseases: Lower risks of asthma, allergies, ear infections, and respiratory illnesses.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Mother
- Bonding: Promotes physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact.
- Health Benefits: Reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes
- Weight Loss: Helps burn extra calories, aiding in weight loss post-pregnancy.
- Cost-Effective: Reduces the need to buy formula, bottles, and other feeding supplies.
Stressors related to Breastfeeding
- Physical Discomfort: Pain from sore nipples, engorgement, and mastitis can cause stress.
- Sleep Deprivation: Frequent nighttime feedings can lead to lack of sleep, which affects mental health.
- Pressure and Expectations: Societal pressure to breastfeed can cause anxiety and feelings of inadequacy if difficulties arise.
- Isolation: The time commitment required can lead to feelings of isolation, especially if support systems are lacking.
- Work-Life Balance: Managing breastfeeding while returning to work can be challenging and stressful.
- Postpartum Depression: The difficulties associated with breastfeeding and failure to meet expectations can lead to guilt and self-blame.
Managing Your Emotional Health During Breastfeeding
- Seek Support:
- Engage with lactation consultants, support groups, and healthcare providers.
- Happy mothers have a great positive impact on their children.
- If you notice depressive symptoms, including poor appetite, low mood with little interest in pleasurable activities, and if you cannot enjoy the time spent with your baby, do seek help.
- If you also notice symptoms of anxiety, including being on standby in case your baby cries, and not being able to rest and relax when your baby is resting, feeling tense through the day with nothing to look forward to, please also seek help from mental health experts.
- Set Realistic Goals:
- Understand that breastfeeding is a learning process for both mothers and babies. The quality of the bonding process is regardless of the amount of milk you can produce.
- Self-Care:
- Prioritize rest, nutrition, and mental health care. When is the last time you dedicate a time to care for yourself? Seek help from your family to facilitate the ME time that you need.
- Communicate:
- Discuss feelings and challenges with family, friends, and healthcare providers. Often, partners and family members may not understand the difficulties you are facing or your needs. Sharing with them helps them to better understand and offer the needed help.
Start making changes now
Balancing the benefits of breastfeeding with the potential mental health challenges requires support, realistic expectations, and self-compassion. Start your self care journey today, so you can be a happy mother for your bundle of joy!
Links & Further Reading
Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group
The Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group is an organisation that provides support for mothers throughout their journey in breastfeeding. They offer group support and workshops, amongst other activities.
