It has been with great interest I have been reading the mail on depression and the lactation consultant.

I was asked to visit a new mother with twins, her midwife felt that she was almost their with feeding, but felt further support & advice were needed, which she felt she could not give. As soon as the woman opened the door I recognised the disrary, fast irrational talking etc. This woman had no problems with her breastfeeding, she was deeply depressed and traumatised from a difficult birth. I stayed with her until family & GP arrived and with emotional support from a home visiting psychiatric nurse & antidepressants she made a fantastic recovery. I also arranged for her to debrief about her delivery. She fed the boys for 16 months and last year had another baby. She has been & is a fantastic supporter/helper at a local breastfeeding support group.

I have always been interested in the diagnosis of depression and feeding problems. The above case illustrates how difficult it can be to see beyond "I have a feeding problem" statement by the mother. A fresh pair of ears & eyes can often help.


Christine Wood
Bonn but formely UK

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