PPD and Breastfeeding??

I am so terrified of PPD... I read conflicting things about how breastfeeding affects PPD... in your experience does it help ward off PPD or does it make it worse? TIA!!

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

I think breastfeeding releases endorphins which make you feel good, so I don't think it contributes to PPD, I think it actually is supposed to help. I guess if you have problems or feel stressed about breastfeeding that could contribute to emotional problems or PPD. In my experience, I have felt great breastfeeding and I really think it helped me loose all my pregnancy weight. I definately recommend it!

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

The first 2 weeks after having Julia I suffered from the baby blues, I feel BF helped me get through it, and it made me feel so much more closer to my baby. I BF for 11 months!

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

I had horrible, near-suicidal PPD, and I find it to be no coincidence that as soon as I stopped BF-ing, my PPD basically disappeared. I'm not saying that's the only thing that helped me, I had a lot of therapy, as well, but it definitely made things a whole lot better for me.

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

I felt it made my feelings worse when I breastfed -- I always felt so isolated and alone when I was feeding Andrew, on top of the mess of other emotions I felt.

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

I think it made things worse. I pumped for 5 months and I really don't think I started feeling better until I was done pumping. I think your hormones are still at high levels due to the milk production and I think that contributes to PPD feelings. But, everybody is different and responds differently to BFing.

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

Thanks ladies... I'm thinking that its different for everyone... hmmm

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

I don't think that BFing impacts the chemical causes of PPD. What it does is magnify feelings of being trapped and overwhelmed as no one else can take over for you if you need a break in the beginning... on the other hand, once you get the hang of it, it helps you feel more confident and secure because you know you are doing good for your baby and that if you ever get stuck out of the house that the baby won't go hungry...

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

I BFed for 8 months and I never really had any PPD. A friend of mine just finished weaning her son and she said she only felt sad and emotional after she weaned, but was fine the whole time she was nursing. I guess it's different for everyone.

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

I BF my DD and while I did not have severe PPD, I was not myself until I stopped pumping at 12 months, at that point I still continued to feed DD 3-4 times a day I just supplemented with whole milk instead of pumping. Coincidentally it was the same time that I got AF back and I really think that helped to adjust my hormones back to normal. Also for me I have hypothyroid and was not able to stabilize it correctly until I gave up the pumping.

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

I was actually told to stop bf for a week due to a potential food allergy. I went into a horrible depression immediately and felt better once I started bf again. However it was probably feelings of guilt that I couldn't bf her that contributed to it so I'm not sure.

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

none here

Re: PPD and Breastfeeding??

I BF Damien and am currently BF Jaidyn and I had not one ounce of PPD.