How Low Milk Supply Impacts Mental Health
August 1-7 is Breastfeeding Awareness Week
Breastfeeding and bodyfeeding frequently has a direct impact on one’s mental health.
According to Moorea Malatt, PMH-C, on the Postpartum Support International website, there are five main areas where breast/chestfeeding babies can be a risk factor for postpartum anxiety and depression.
The second common challenge: Supply issues
For those with low milk supply, the recommendation is pump and/or feed more frequently.
Some people do triple feeding, which is nursing, pumping, and then bottle feeding. This can take a lot of time, and often makes people feel like they are constantly feeding or attached to a pump - leaving less time to relax and enjoy their baby.
According to Malatt, “Many parents, even with all the support in the world, don’t have the physiology to produce the amount of milk their baby needs, or their baby has physiology that may be causing feeding challenges and supply issues.”
A lot of times, people feel guilt or shame when they do not have enough milk to provide for their baby. Then, if needing to supplement with formula, more guilt and shame often follows.
If any of this information resonates with you, there are resources to support you in your feeding journey:
Postpartum Support International Support Group - When Breastfeeding and Bodyfeeding Ends Before You Are Ready
Postpartum Support International Therapist Directory
La Leche League website
National Breastfeeding Helpline (1-800-994-9662)
WIC Breastfeeding Support website
