It’s Breastfeeding Awareness Week!
Did you know that 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 first one is: Latch challenges and a lack of support.
The help that people receive from lactation professionals is often not enough, especially because a person’s milk does not typically come in (when a latch might become more challenging) until after discharging from the hospital. Malatt writes, “Most parents do not experience lactation challenges until four to five days after birth or later.”
Also, most parents who report sadness or anxiety with their feeding experience often do not get connected with lactation professionals outside of the hospital, including not knowing that lactation support can be covered by insurance.
Without the right information and resources, a person may feel like the feeding challenges are their fault, and there may be a lot of guilt and shame as a result.
Some parents have the privilege to make pumping a full-time job. While others may not have the time or ability to do so, leading them to using formula, which can also add to the vicious cycle of guilt and shame.
An additional note, Black families are less likely to begin or continue breastfeeding as White women, as a result of lack of professional support and resources.
If any of this is resonating with you, there are resources for support 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
