Hi. My name is Heather Murray, and I am a Junior nursing student at the
University of North Dakota. I decided to subscribe to Lactnet, because
I am interested in becoming an OB nurse, and I am currently enrolled in
OB clinical. I have been taught in my childbearing classes "breast is
best." I have done some research on the topic of postnatal depression
and have become interested in whether or not there is a correlation
between breastfeeding and postnatal depression. After looking through
the archives, I noticed that this topic has been brought up and I would
like to learn more about it. Approximately eight to 15 percent of
childbearing women are stricken with postpartum depression (Perfetti,
Clark, Fillmore, 2004). The exact cause of postpartum depression is
unknown (Perfetti, et al, 2004). I feel this is a topic that needs to be
researched more thoroughly to see what we, as caregivers, can do to help
prevent it from occurring.
There have been many studies conducted which compare postpartum
depression to the duration of breastfeeding. Is it the breastfeeding
that is causing the depression? Many women have feelings of distress
due to their difficulties during the breastfeeding process
(Schakespeare, Blake, Garcia, 2004). Mothers may feel inadequate, or as
if they are bad mothers, because they are unable to "properly provide"
for their newborns. This increased stress could be the cause, or may
add to, these mothers' depressed feelings and may cause mothers to
possibly experience negative feelings toward their baby. However,
proper and thorough assistance with breastfeeding may lead to decreased
problems and feelings of inadequacy. This may be one of the most
important steps that can be taken to prevent postpartum depression.
Since women more commonly experience depression then men, there are
some theories that depression is due to hormonal fluctuations (Epperson,
1999), and with breastfeeding there are increases in many hormonal
changes that may play a role in women's vulnerability to experiencing
depression at this time. However, some studies report that the hormones
associated with breastfeeding play no role in the onset of postnatal
depression (Henderson, Evans, Straton, 2003).
Have you encountered any evidence that would support or disprove the
possible correlation between breastfeeding and postnatal depression? I
would love to have your feedback and clinical experiences concerning
this topic.
Thank you,
Heather Murray, SN
Reference:
Epperson, C., N., (1999). Postpartum major depression: detection and
treatment [Electronic version]. American Family Physician, 59(8).
Retrieved February 9,2004, from http://www.aafp.org/afp/990415ap/2247.html
Henderson, J. J., Evans, S.F., Straton, A.Y., Priest, S.R., Hagan, R.
(2003). Impact of postnatal depression on breastfeeding duration.
Birth, 30(3), 175-180. Retrieved February 11, 2005, from
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/openurl?
genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=0730-
7659&date=2003&volume=30&issue=3&page=175.
Perfetti, J., Clark, R., Fillmore, CM. (2004). Postpartum depression:
identification, screening, and treatment. Wisconsin Medical Journal,
103(6), 56-63.
Schakespeare, J., Blake, F., Garcia, J. (2004). Breast-feeding
difficulties experienced by women taking part in a qualitative
interview study of postnatal depression. Midwifery, 20, 251-260.
Retrieved February 11, 2005, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob
***********************************************
To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|
