August 20, 2024
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition that affects approximately 10-15% of women after childbirth, although some studies suggest that the prevalence may be even higher. Characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion, PPD can have a profound impact on a mother’s ability to care for her newborn. One area that can be significantly affected by PPD is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its health benefits for both mother and baby, including improved immunity for the infant and reduced risk of certain diseases for the mother. However, when a mother is struggling with PPD, the challenges of breastfeeding can become more pronounced.
Breastfeeding is not only a physical process but also an emotional one. The act of breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which helps to promote bonding between mother and baby. However, when a mother is experiencing PPD, emotional and psychological stress can interfere with this bonding process, making breastfeeding more difficult.
Mothers with PPD often report physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and decreased energy levels. These symptoms can make it difficult for mothers to establish and maintain a consistent breastfeeding routine. For example, sleep deprivation, which is common in the early postpartum period, can be exacerbated by PPD and may reduce a mother’s milk supply due to increased stress levels and hormonal imbalances.
Moreover, the physical symptoms of PPD can sometimes lead to difficulties in latching and breastfeeding positions. Pain during breastfeeding, such as sore nipples or engorgement, can further discourage mothers from continuing to breastfeed, especially if they are already feeling overwhelmed or inadequate.
PPD can affect a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed. Feelings of anxiety, worthlessness, and guilt are common among mothers with PPD, and these feelings can be particularly intense when breastfeeding is not going as smoothly as expected. For example, if a mother is struggling with low milk supply or difficulties with latching, she may feel as though she is failing her baby, which can intensify feelings of depression and anxiety.
Additionally, mothers with PPD may experience a lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, including breastfeeding. This lack of interest can be due to anhedonia, a symptom of depression that causes a loss of pleasure in normally pleasurable activities. As a result, the mother may become less motivated to continue breastfeeding, leading to early weaning and the associated loss of benefits for both mother and baby.
PPD can directly impact milk production. The stress associated with PPD can disrupt the release of prolactin, a hormone that is crucial for milk production. High levels of stress hormones such as cortisol can inhibit prolactin release, leading to a reduced milk supply. In some cases, this can create a vicious cycle, where the stress of not being able to produce enough milk exacerbates the mother’s PPD, further reducing milk supply.
Research has shown that women with PPD are less likely to initiate breastfeeding and are more likely to discontinue breastfeeding earlier than mothers without PPD. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that women with depressive symptoms were more likely to stop breastfeeding before their infant reached six months of age compared to women without depressive symptoms (1).
The first line of defense in postpartum depression can be an evaluation for its potential root causes. Hormone deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, and nutritional deficiencies can all contribute to this debilitating condition.
For example, progesterone (actually named for its pro-gestation role as the “pregnancy hormone”) rises to ten times its pre-pregnancy level during gestation, then falls dramatically after childbirth. Concurrently, estrogen levels remain elevated, potentially creating a hormonal imbalance. Some studies suggest that this imbalance, particularly the relative drop in progesterone compared to estrogen, may contribute to mood disturbances such as postpartum depression (2).
There is evidence suggesting that restoring progesterone levels postpartum could help alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression. Bioidentical progesterone may help mitigate mood-related symptoms and improve overall well-being in postpartum women (3,4).
Other hormone deficiencies that can cause postpartum depression include deficiencies of pregnenolone, estrogen, and oxytocin.
The thyroid gland is essential for regulating metabolism and energy production, and it also influences mental well-being. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, hormonal changes can impact thyroid function. Thyroid hormones play a critical role in brain function and mood regulation, and thyroid dysfunction may contribute to postpartum depression (5).
Postpartum depression has been associated with low levels of T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. Research suggests that optimizing thyroid function with thyroid supplementation, even when mildly low, can improve symptoms of postpartum depression (6).
Additionally, women with autoimmune thyroiditis, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, have a higher incidence of postpartum depression. Autoimmune thyroiditis is common in women and may worsen during pregnancy and the postpartum period (7).
Postpartum depression (PPD) can be influenced by various nutritional deficiencies and imbalances.
Research indicates that mineral imbalances, particularly involving zinc, copper, and selenium, play a crucial role in mood regulation and mental health (8, 9, 10). Additionally, low levels of Vitamin D, which is vital for brain function and mood regulation, have been associated with an increased risk of PPD (11).
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are crucial for brain development and function; deficiencies are linked to increased risk of depression due to their role in neurotransmission and anti-inflammatory effects (12).
Finally, low levels of B vitamins, especially folate and B12, are critical for mood regulation as they are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin. Deficiencies in these vitamins have been associated with increased risk of depression and impaired cognitive function, further contributing to the risk of PPD and its related struggles with breastfeeding.
If you or someone you love is struggling with postpartum depression, don’t wait—take action now. An evaluation for hormone, thyroid, or nutritional deficiencies could be the key to understanding and addressing the root causes of this condition. Restoring balance in these areas may help alleviate symptoms and support your mental well-being during this critical time. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary wellness consultation and begin your journey toward recovery.
While PPD can make breastfeeding more challenging, there are several strategies that can help mothers navigate these challenges and continue breastfeeding successfully:
1. Seek Breastfeeding Support: One of the most important things a mother with PPD can do is seek support from breastfeeding professionals, such as lactation consultants, midwives, or postpartum doulas. These professionals can provide guidance on breastfeeding techniques, offer reassurance, and help troubleshoot any issues that arise.
2. Create a Calm Environment: Stress and anxiety can negatively impact breastfeeding, so it’s important to create a calm and relaxing environment during feeding times. This can include dimming the lights, playing soothing music, and ensuring that both mother and baby are comfortable.
3. Prioritize Rest: Fatigue can provoke both PPD and breastfeeding difficulties. Mothers should be encouraged to rest whenever possible and to accept help from family and friends with household chores and baby care.
4. Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact: Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to promote bonding and increase milk production. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, making breastfeeding more successful.
5. Consider Pumping: For some mothers with PPD, direct breastfeeding may be overwhelming. Pumping and bottle-feeding expressed milk can be an alternative that still allows the baby to receive the benefits of breast milk while reducing stress for the mother.
6. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration: Eating a clean whole foods diet and staying hydrated are important for maintaining a healthy milk supply. Mothers should be encouraged to eat regular, nutritionally dense meals and drink plenty of water.
7. Consider Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is an herb that is sometimes used to support lactation. It contains silymarin, a compound that has been shown to increase prolactin levels in animal studies, potentially leading to increased milk production (13). Physician’s Preference Vitamins carries a high quality milk thistle supplement. Remember, mothers should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a mother’s ability to breastfeed her newborn. The physical and psychological challenges associated with PPD can make breastfeeding more difficult, but with the right support and strategies, many mothers can successfully navigate these challenges. Evaluation for hormonal and nutritional imbalances, seeking breastfeeding support, creating a calm environment, and focusing on hydration are just a few of the ways that mothers with PPD can make breastfeeding easier. By addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of breastfeeding, mothers with PPD can provide their babies with the many benefits of breast milk while also taking care of their own mental health.
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If you’re struggling with postpartum depression, DON’T WAIT. You deserve to feel your best so you can enjoy motherhood! Contact our Wellness Consultants today for a complimentary wellness consultation at 281-698-8698. It will be our privilege to serve you.
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