What Breastfeeding Mothers Should Know About Postpartum Depression

If you're a breastfeeding mother, postpartum depression needs to be on your watch list. Having a baby causes so many changes in a woman's life. The demands of caring for a new baby 24/7 and the accompanying lack of sleep, combined with the hormonal shifts of pregnancy and childbirth, can take a huge toll on new moms. Mood swings are very common during the postpartum period; many new moms report feeling elated one minute and sad the next. But for some woman, giving birth triggers something more serious than a simple case of Baby Blues. Postpartum Depression, also called PPD, can affect a new mom's ability to properly care for her baby, and thus requires immediate attention.

Should You Stop Breastfeeding?
It is sometimes recommended that a breastfeeding woman stop nursing and take medication for her PPD. For many women who go this route, they find that stopping nursing actually increases symptoms of PPD. Some women report feelings of failure at not being able to continue nursing, which can add to the depression. 

Nursing can actually help with depression, as nursing your baby releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin, which helps you and your baby bond. While there are some medications that are approved for use during breastfeeding, medications should always be used as a last resort. There are other things you can do to combat PPD and continue to breastfeed your baby.

• Keep nursing. Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby. In addition to the bonding hormones mentioned above, breastfeeding also helps you shed the excess baby weight, and it helps your uterus return to normal size. Babies who are nursed on demand also generally cry less, and a happier baby helps make a happier mom.
• Seek support. Join a support group for new mothers, talk to a therapist and, if possible, enlist the help of friends and family members. New moms who feel supported and cared for are less likely to experience the negative effects of PPD.
• Exercise. While it is difficult to find time to exercise with a new baby, regular physical activity releases great stress-relieving hormones and plays a huge role in combating depression. Put your baby in a sling or stroller and take a walk, put on some upbeat music and dance or try some gentle yoga. 
• Try to get some rest. While disrupted sleep is part of the job description when you are a new parent, do your best to get as much sleep as possible. Try to get some help with household chores so that you can take a nap while your baby naps.
• Take a break. Have your partner care for the baby while you take a bubble bath or a walk. Go out to lunch with a friend. Rent that movie you've been dying to see. Taking a little break now and then can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

If symptoms of PPD continue, talk to your doctor about your options. In cases of severe PPD, taking medication may be the best option. Talk to your doctor about the different medications available to see if there's one that's safe to use while breastfeeding.

Remember, the benefits of breastfeeding don't outweigh the harm you could do to yourself or your baby if PPD is left untreated.