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Blue and Breastfeeding
Postpartum Depression Impacts the Nursing Mom
By Teri Brown
er little known fact about PPD is that breastfeeding may have a positive impact on the depression itself, both hormonally and emotionally. "Breastfeeding can certainly have an impact on postpartum depression," says Dorlen. "In fact, it may have a positive influence on mothers who are experiencing PPD. Oxytocin, which is one of the hormones that is released while breastfeeding, has been found to help women who are coping with depression."
Lisa Betancourt from McMinnville, Ore., believes the emotional benefits from breastfeeding her babies helped her combat PPD. "I absolutely believe that breastfeeding helped me stay connected to my babies," she says. "Looking down into this little face and realizing that this little person counts on you for everything is an amazing, overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and even power." Though Betancourt may have felt overwhelmed and depressed much of the time, she felt the time spent breastfeeding her baby made everything worthwhile.
Tamra Orr from Portland, Ore., agrees. Her PPD was compounded by caring for two toddlers and an infant at the same time, but she feels that breastfeeding helped her cope. "By taking the time to just sit down and nurse and concentrate on the beauty of that moment, I felt refreshed," she says. "I think it also helped balance the incredible hormonal fluxes I was having."
Dorlen wouldn't be surprised by these observations. "Breastfeeding is considered to be helpful for many women dealing with postpartum depression," she says. "It helps moderate hormonal swings, increases endorphin levels and allows your body to regain hormonal balance slowly and evenly. Many mothers find the close, warm contact between themselves and their baby to be mutually comforting."
Breastfeeding fosters a connection between Mother and Baby that is irreproducible with bottle feeding. Experts believe this connection can help to diminish the feelings of ambivalence and apathy toward the aby, which can occur with PPD. It also gives a sense of accomplishment that can help fight depression.
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