>yes, i looked in the archives, but didn't see anything conclusive. anyone know
>of a relationship between or lack or relationship between breastfeeding and
>postpartum depression or pp psychosis? the only reference i have is (okay it
>is an old edition) in Lawrence, a study from 1978. i am just curious, there is
>a particularly awful case here locally that made me wonder what we know about
>any relationship or lack of one.

Carol,
I missed any earlier post you wrote. Though I'm not quite sure what point
you are pursuing, I can tell you that I've done a little digging on a
related issue-- whether breastfeeding ala demand is related to PPD.  The
answer to this latter question is no, according to Dr. Ann Dunnewold, who
has written a book on PPD.

In regards to breastfeeding generally and PPD-- one would think that it
would actually be beneficial.  After parturition, hormone levels are
mostly falling drastically, though prolactin is rising.  The physiologic
norm for lactation is lower, steady levels of the reproductive hormones.
Considering that we attribute PMS (and PMS induced psychoses?) to
fluctuating hormones, steady levels should be an advantage.  Add to that
the effects of oxytocin and prolactin; animal studies suggest that
oxytocin promotes mothering behavior, and prolactin seems to both enhance
bonding as well as act as a natural relaxant.  If anything, I would think
that removing these buffers could exacerbate PPD.

The only question I am not sure about is progesterone. I do remember that
progesterone suppositories have been used for mild PPD, and I'm not sure
about the difference in progesterone levels lactating vs non-lactating;
maybe someone else on the list can comment?

You might check Ann Dunnewold's book out for more possible info on your
question.

Lisa Marasco, BA, LLL, IBCLC