Maternal Mental Health and Breastfeeding: A Deep Connection

One of the greatest life-changing events for a woman is becoming a mother, but it also presents a number of difficulties. Although there is no denying the joy of raising a kid, the stress on the mind, body, and emotions may be quite taxing. An important but frequently disregarded component of general well-being is maternal mental health, which includes mental health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In addition, breastfeeding is frequently encouraged due to the health advantages it offers to both the mother and the child. However, many people are unaware of the deeper and more complex connection between breastfeeding and maternal mental health.

Breastfeeding is often seen as a beautiful, natural act that offers various health benefits to both mother and baby. It’s promoted for its role in fostering infant bonding, supporting immunity, and providing essential nutrients for the baby’s development. But for many mothers, breastfeeding is more than just a feeding choice—it’s an emotional journey that can deeply affect their mental health.

In fact, the process of breastfeeding can have a dual effect on maternal mental health. On one hand, breastfeeding can improve emotional well-being, while on the other, difficulties with breastfeeding can contribute to or exacerbate mental health struggles. Literature indicated that breastfeeding challenges were associated with a higher risk of negative mental health symptoms (Yuen 2020 et al).   Thus, understanding this relationship is key to supporting mothers through their breastfeeding journey.

Breastfeeding’s Beneficial Effects on Mothers’ Mental Health

Hormonal Benefits: Mothers’ bodies release prolactin and oxytocin when they nurse. Often referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is essential for bonding, love, and relaxation in addition to causing milk ejection. Breastfeeding causes oxytocin to be released, which can lower stress and anxiety levels in mothers, improve emotional health, and strengthen the bond between a mother and her child.
Emotional Bonding: Nursing gives moms the chance to form both a physical and emotional bond with their babies. Mothers may feel more attuned to their infants at this intimate period, which can strengthen connection. Reduced rates of postpartum anxiety and depression have been linked to positive maternal-infant attachment.

Sense of Control and Accomplishment: Breastfeeding gives some moms a feeling of empowerment. Breastfeeding successfully can increase self-esteem by fostering feelings of contentment and pride. During an otherwise overwhelming moment, mothers who feel competent and secure in their capacity to care for their infant may feel more in control.

Lower Risk of Postpartum Depression (PPD): According to Gomez et.al (2021) & Haley et al (2024) breastfeeding may reduce the risk of PPD. Breastfeeding moms report feeling less stressed and more content with their position as mothers, which may prevent PPD from developing. This effect is not assured, though, and varies based on specific situations.

While breastfeeding has its benefits, it can also present challenges that impact a mother’s mental health. The reality is that breastfeeding isn’t always easy, and some mothers experience significant struggles that can affect their emotional well-being.

Breastfeeding Difficulties and Stress: Issues like latching problems, insufficient milk supply, nipple pain, and engorgement can create frustration, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy in new mothers. These challenges may lead to a sense of failure, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Mothers who are unable to breastfeed as expected or encounter persistent problems may feel overwhelmed and isolated.

Pressure to Breastfeed: There is a lot of pressure today to breastfeed, which can make mothers feel even more emotionally burdened. When nursing is portrayed as the “best” or “most natural” choice, it can cause mothers who find it difficult to breastfeed or who decide to use formula to feel guilty or ashamed. Mothers may experience mental health problems because of this strain, particularly if they feel unsupported or condemned.

Sleep Deprivation: Frequent night feedings frequently cause sleep disturbances for new moms. Lack of sleep combined with the physical strain of nursing can lead to mood changes, exhaustion, and irritation. Mothers who experience this tiredness may find it difficult to take care of their own mental health and wellbeing, which can leave them feeling emotionally weak and depleted. On the other hand studies that were done also found that breastfeeding women slept an average of 2.6 hours longer than women who bottle-feed. (Hughes, Mohammed, Doyle & Burke 2018).

Postpartum Anxiety and Depression: The emotional toll of adjusting to motherhood, coupled with breastfeeding challenges, can contribute to the onset of postpartum anxiety and depression. PPD is a serious condition that affects many new mothers and can manifest as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. Breastfeeding-related struggles can act as a trigger for these symptoms, especially when mothers feel unsupported or unable to meet their breastfeeding goals. It is important to understand the association between breast feeding practices and maternal mental health with the emphasis on anxiety. (Coo, Garcia, Mira & Valdes 2020).

Given the complex relationship between maternal mental health and breastfeeding, it’s essential that new mothers receive adequate support to ensure both their physical and emotional well-being.

Provide Education and Resources: Educating mothers about breastfeeding and normalizing the challenges that can arise is crucial. Providing accurate information about latching, milk supply, and common breastfeeding issues can help mothers feel more prepared and less anxious. Additionally, ensuring access to lactation consultants and support groups can make a significant difference in overcoming breastfeeding obstacles.

Encourage Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue about mental health is just as important as discussing breastfeeding techniques. Mothers should feel comfortable expressing their concerns, frustrations, and emotions without fear of judgment. Partners, family members, and healthcare providers can all play a supportive role in validating a mother’s experiences and offering reassurance during difficult moments.

Offer Flexibility and Choice: It’s important to recognize that breastfeeding may not be the best option for every mother. Offering flexibility and respecting a mother’s choices—whether they decide to breastfeed, formula-feed, or do a combination of both—can help alleviate the pressure and guilt that many mothers feel. Ultimately, a mother’s mental health and well-being should take precedence, and no feeding method should be seen as a measure of her capabilities as a parent.

Focus on Self-Care: Encouraging self-care for new mothers is essential. Taking time for rest, engaging in activities that promote relaxation, and maintaining connections with loved ones can help boost a mother’s emotional health. A well-rested, supported mother is better equipped to care for herself and her baby.

Maternal mental health and breastfeeding are closely related. Although breastfeeding has numerous benefits for a mother’s emotional health, the difficulties associated with it might exacerbate mental health issues. Recognizing the complexity of this journey and providing women with care that meets their physical and emotional needs are crucial. Every mother may feel empowered to take care of herself and her child if we give her correct information, emotional support, and validation. Whether a mother chooses to breastfeed, use formula, or a combination of both, her mental health should always come first, and each mother should have a path that supports her individual journey.

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Author: Prof. Agnes Van Dyk
Director of Nursing & Dean: Health Sciences
International University of Management

References

Billings, H, Horsman, J, Sotami, H & Spencer, R.  Breastfeeding experiences of women with perinatal mental health problems; a systematic review and thematic synthesis. BMC Pregnancy and childbirth 2c, article number: 582 (2024) 6 Sept.

Coo S, Garcia M, Mira A & Valdes V.  The role of perinatal anxiety and depression in breast feeding practice.  Breastfeed Med,2020 Aug 15 (8) 495-500. Doi:10.1089/bfm,2020.0091 Epub 2020 Jan

Gomez L, Verd S, de-la-Banda, Cardo E, Servera, Fouquieria A, Ponce-Taylor & Mulet M. Perinatal psychological interventions to promote breastfeeding: a narrative review: Jan 2021. International Breastfeeding Journal, 16, article number (8,2021)

Hughes O, Mohammed NM, Doyle P & Burke G.   Obstet Gynaecol. 2018:38:316-320. Doi: 10/1080/01443615.2017-1353594.PubMed.

Mckeever M, Mckeever A (2022).  June 17 National Geographic. Many women struggle to breastfeed, scientists are starting to ask why ?  https://www. Nationalgeogrhaphic.com/science/article/many-women-struggle-tobreastfeed-scientists are-starting-to-ask-why.

Yuen M, Hall O, Masters G, Nephew,B, Carr C, Leuning K, Griffen A, Mctyre L, Byattt N & Simons T.  (2020). The effects of breastfeeding on amternal mental health a systematic review. Journal of Womens Health (harchmt:2020 June;31 (6) 78-80 dot: 10.1089/wh.2021.0504. Epub2022 April 18.