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Date: | Mon, 29 Jul 2002 13:37:34 EDT |
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In a message dated 7/28/2002 4:04:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
> <<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>>
>
> This comment reflects a poor understanding of PPD by your colleague.
> Depression is a biochemical disorder which is often rooted in genetics,
> childhood abuse, unresolved loss, or other trauma. Because lactation is a
> normal biochemical conclusion to the childbearing cycle (i.e. provides the
> proper hormonal milieu for early mothering), PPD is often made worse by
> suppressing lactation prematurely (i.e. not breastfeeding at all or limited
> breastfeeding ). Other posters have referenced this fact.
>
> While no one would argue that unkind comments or even painful truth makes
> us feel badly, it does not "cause" depression. Further, we are more likely
> to suffer from protracted negative feelings when we stumble onto some truth
> when it's too late to have positively implemented it. Therefore I strongly
> agree with other posts stating that it is our responsibility to educate so
> that there is not regret about a decision later on.
>
> None of this isn't to say that a person struggling with depression might
> not at some point try to anchor her suffering to a remark or an event. She
> is as puzzled as anyone as to why she is feeling badly and is therefore
> grasping at explanations. All the more reason for us to work with an
> attitude of kindness and respect when we teach and provide consultations.
>
> For anyone interested in this topic, John Mann, MD gave a great
> presentation at ILCA last week on this topic. I would recommend purchasing
> his tape.
>
> For my part, I work with many depressed people, including some with PPD and
> have yet to see it be "caused" by something that was said to them (except
> possibly that they should quit therapy and "pull yourself together!")
>
> Nancy Williams, MA, IBCLC
> Marriage and Family Therapist
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