Is this mom in a breastfeeding support group? 18 years ago I was told by another breastfeeding mom that if I weaned my baby my post-partum depression would stop. False information lead me to wean my 4 month old.I am a lactation consultant now and I had a difficult time forgiving that person for mis-informing me. After I weaned I still had PPD and the only relief at that time for me was a mothers support group and grief or post partum counseling. Weaning her pumping is not the answer. Support and medical evaluation may be where to begin. Pumping 8-10 times a day and nurturing twins can be overwhelming on its own.
I have since started a Nurturing Your Newborn Support group as an answer to many moms who are alone, overwhlmed and sometimes depressed. My weaning now does not seem so hurtful and in vain.
J. Adames, RN, BSN, IBCLC.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Beth Sargent, IBCLC
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 3:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: depression while pumping
I have mom's permission to post, and am looking for some way to help her.
When I searched the archives, I found Sharon Knorr's post from April,
2005, re: nausea and vomiting while breastfeeding, that referred to some
of the less pleasant side effects experienced during breastfeeding,
including depression. Sharon's post indicated a relationship betwen
oxytocin release and these effects.
The mother I am working with is a second-time mom, twins this time. She is
exclusively pumping and giving EBM. She reported experiencing "a really
depressed feeling while pumping", every time she pumps (8-9 x day). She
recalls a similar, but less intense feeling of depression when she
breastfed her first (singleton)child, who is currently 15 months old. She
feels that she can not continue to try to deal with the depressive side
effect of pumping, it feels overwhelming to her. She wondered if cutting
the pumping episodes in half, or at least cutting down to 6 a day would
help her to eliminate the depression. We discussed the effect this would
have on her milk supply. She understands that it could have a negative
effect on her overall milk supply, but feels that she can't continue at
her current level and still care for her 3 babies.
She sounded so sad & teary--she's at the point where I think she will just
stop completely, if she can't get some relief. I would really like to help
her get through this.
Thanks so much for all your help,
Beth Sargent, IBCLC
Needham, MA
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