Breastfeeding: roadblocks & mom’s mental health

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) --  Breastfeeding is great for both mama and baby. It provides plenty of health benefits to a child, but it doesn't come without challenges - some of which can have a drastic effect on a mother's mental health. You see, breastfeeding is a breeze with some babies. With others, it can seem impossible, and frustrating for mother and child alike.

When a mother breastfeeds, the risk of postpartum depression goes down, thanks to the release of ocytocin. But on the flip side, breastfeeding difficulties can lead to depression.

Dr. Erin Brower is a pediatrician, and says more and more stressed out moms are turning to a search engine, social media or AI for breastfeeding advice, often in the middle of the night when their doctors aren't available.

"They're using these devices because they're asking, how much is my baby feeding, how often should they be feeding, why are they crying, and they're giving that direct feedback at 3 a.m," Dr. Brower says. She adds that asking medical questions online isn't always a good idea. Some mothers could be misled by information that's not evidence-based. Every child is different, and advice found online isn't specifically tailored to their infant.

The best advice? Turn to a lactation specialist or a doctor. Make sure they understand your goal, and can help you find what works best for mama and baby.

To find a lactation consultant, click here: https://ilca.org/why-ibclc-falc/

For more information on postpartum depression, click here: postpartum.net