Dear Lacnetters,

I am hoping someone has information on breastfeeding and postpartum
depression.  A collegue has suggested I limit the amount of
pro-breastfeeding information I share at my prenatal group so as to not give
mothers unrealistic expectations about breastfeeding.  The point was that
mothers that cannot or choose not to breastfeed for one reason or another
may feel a great deal of guilt, leading to postpartum depression if I
continue to push the benefits of breastfeeding at every meeting.  There is a
1984 study that showed decreased incidence of postpartum depression in
mothers who breastfed.  I wonder if this proves her point that mothers that
cannot or choose not to breastfeed are likely to encounter more post partum
depression from the guilt that ensues.   I feel it is very important to
share all the benefits of breastfeeding so mothers make informed decisions,
perhaps being more willing to stick it out if the going gets tough.
However, I don't want to contribute to an increased incidence of postpartum
depression.  What to do.. What to do.

Lana Hergott
Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program

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