Breastfeeding has multiple benefits for the baby, and also for the mother. A new study by scientists from the University of Cambridge and published in the journal Maternal and Child Health (Maternal and child health) states that breastfeeding could reduce the risk of postpartum depression in the mother.
They analyzed data on 14,000 births in southwest England and found that the women who planned to breastfeed, there were a 50% reduction in the risk of postpartum depression if they started breastfeeding
This protection against depression saw that it increased with each week that breastfeeding extended until the month of life, which is the period they studied. They think the hormone release Producing a feeling of well-being when sucking the baby are responsible for this beneficial effect.
However, an alarming fact, which shows the importance of providing adequate help to mothers who want to breastfeed their babies is that the risk of depression more than doubled among women who wanted to breastfeed, but failed.
Feelings such as frustration, helplessness and guilt are common in mothers who are unable to breastfeed, but with the appropriate support many of them may breastfeed and those who do not, also need support to prevent depression.
Recent mothers may become very pressured in the face of environmental criticism, which demoralize and make wrong decisions. What they need is to surround themselves with people who support her and reinforce confidence in her role, both professionals and family and friends.
