The Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a psychological complication experienced by the mother post-childbirth, and the time it lasts varies from woman to woman. This mental health disorder is diagnosed by a healthcare provider and can be treated. It is important to note that postpartum depression can occur in mothers regardless of being previously diagnosed with depression. It typically presents anxiety, excessive sadness, feelings of loneliness, mood swings, panic attacks, and more. For moms who have never previously experienced depression, it can be a very intimidating thing to face and this is why educating women on this issue is crucial. The main issue with this topic is that it does not have efficient advocates to speak about what it entails. Researchers have begun to study this psychological complication due to its specific nature (postpartum) and the way that it affects each woman differently. This study aims to examine the evidence gathered by researchers to further explain the correlation between breastfeeding and mother’s mental health. This information will focus specifically on the relationship between breastfeeding cessation and postpartum depression (PPD). The negative and positive outcomes that accompany mothers who suffer from PPD and choose to breastfeed will be explained in further detail.