Sleep Deprivation While Breastfeeding
August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week
The theme of this year is "Closing the gap: Breastfeeding Support for All", which aims to encourage perinatal providers to help eliminate factors that are barriers in breastfeeding and supporting mothers in being able to continue breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding/bodyfeeding frequently has a direct impact on one’s mental health.
According to Moorea Malatt, LEC, 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 fifth risk factor: Sleep deprivation
Especially with triple feeding, people are expected to pump after every time they nurse - leading them to becoming sleep deprived and risking the quality of their mental health.
Poor sleep is the greatest risk factor in developing postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Malatt writes that the goal is to focus on “balancing feeding needs and parenting values with the parents’ need to protect sleep and mental health.”
Every child deserves a healthy and well parent. Every parent deserves to feel healthy and well.
Whatever your feeding journey needs to look like in order to ensure your health and wellness is more than OK.
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
