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Depression
Approximately 15 to 25 percent of mothers worldwide become depressed in the year after birth. Depression is something that has serious consequences for both you and your baby. Depression can also increase your risk of stopping breastfeeding altogether. But continuing to breastfeed is both good for both you and it protects your baby. So we would encourage you to continue to breastfeed if at all possible.
The good news is that most treatments for depression are safe for breastfeeding mothers. Below are some resources to help you cope with depression.
How to Know if You Are Depressed
Treatment Options
AntidepressantsNon-drug TreatmentsOther Materials
- 2010 Breastfeeding-Friendly Approach to Depression in New Mothers: A Curriculum and Resource Guide for Health Care Professionals (Contains several screening scales and questionnaires)
- A new paradigm for depression in new mothers: The central role of inflammation and how breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments protect maternal mental health (March 2007, International Breastfeeding Journal)
Books
Helpful Organizations and Sites
Depression
