Breastfeeding, Mental Health, Anti-Depressants and Alternative Treatments
May 13, 2008 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under breastfeeding, carnival, health of the baby, health of the mother, medication
In honor of Mental Health Month, the Health and Wellness Channel focuses on mental health topics today. The good news is that breastfeeding protects maternal mental health. According to a study by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett in the International Breastfeeding Journal:
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce stress and protect maternal mood. Breastfeeding also reduces stress of babies of depressed mothers and protects them from the harmful effects of maternal depression. Treatment approaches that are anti-inflammatory have efficacy in treating depression. These include EPA and DHA, exercise, cognitive therapy, herbal anti-depressants such as St. John’s wort, and standard antidepressants.
Unfortunately, many breastfeeding mothers will get poor medical advice from their doctors about the benefits and risks of traditional anti-depressant medications or alternative depression treatments while breastfeeding.
Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression in Breastfeeding Mothers
Check out these resources for information:
~ the study quoted above: Kendall-Tackett, K. “A New Paradigm for Depression in New Mothers: the Central Role of Inflammation and How Breastfeeding and Anti-Inflammatory Treatments Protect Maternal Mental Health.” International Breastfeeding Journal. 2007, 2:6 (March 30, 2007).
~ Thomas W. Hale Ph.D.’s Medications Forum
~ the lactation and medication LactMed database
~ the American Academy of Pediatrics Transfer of Drugs and Other Chemicals into Human Milk
~ Kellymom.com on alternative treatments for postpartum depression
~ Kellymom.com on psychiatric medications and breastfeeding
Technical Resources for Medical Professionals and Others:
~ Depression In New Mothers: Causes, Consequences, And Treatment Alternatives
~ The latest edition of the drug and lactation guide Medications and Mothers’ Milk
More on Mental Health
For more posts on mental health, see the mental health theme day round-up by Alicia at Mental Health Notes.
Your Experience
Breastfeeding mothers, please feel free to leave a comment about your personal experience with depression. As always, I remind mothers to consult a physician when considering any treatment (traditional or alternative) while breastfeeding.
I’ve struggled with depression for many years. When we were trying to get pregnant with our alomost 12 month old, I made the decision to wean myself off the meds (under drs supervision). My mom was very worried about PPD and watched me like a hawk in those early baby days.
I’m thankful to report that not only did I avoid PPD, but I am still med free. I credit a lot of that to breastfeeding and those feel-good hormones. Almost 12 months and going strong!
Heather, thanks for your comment! It’s wonderful to hear that you are doing so well — without the depression and with the breastfeeding!
Poor advice is too often what a month received from her doctor. Many studies have shown the benefits of breastfeeding and maternal mental health.