How do you think it was your breastfeeding? For some mothers, it was a beautiful experience that they shared with their baby and that they managed to carry out successfully. But for others, breastfeeding was not what they expected, either because they had trouble starting and maintaining it, and more than a pleasant experience, it was very painful.
In the case of mothers in the second group, the fact of having a breastfeeding that has not worked, can be somewhat discouraging and discouraging them. Some parents even believe that as the recent mothers did not have the breastfeeding they expected, this could be a trigger for postpartum depression.
According to a survey conducted by Priory Group in the United Kingdom to more than 1,000 parents, 80% of them believe that having a painful or unsuccessful breastfeeding could be one of the causes of mothers suffering from postpartum depression.
Dr. Kathryn Hollins, Priory Group consultant, comments that More emotional and practical support is needed for nursing mothers, especially at the beginning of their breastfeeding:
"Recent mothers need to be kindly motivated to explore all the reasons why breastfeeding does not seem to work well for them, and all that excessive pressure - albeit well-intentioned - of health professionals and others, could cause more harm than good."says the doctor.
Some years ago we shared a study in which it was found that breastfeeding the baby could reduce the risk of suffering from postpartum depression, however in that same study, they discovered that in the case of mothers who failed to breastfeed, the risk of having it increased more than double, which coincides with the beliefs expressed in this new survey.
Breastfeeding, something that is not easy for everyone
It is true that breast milk is the best we can give our babies, we have dozens of studies that support it and every day new breastfeeding benefits continue to come to light both for themselves and for mothers. There is no doubt, breastfeeding is the best.
However, although there are very effective campaigns for all people to know and understand their importance, it is not as visible or common to address difficult situations publicly nor are initiatives that are aimed specifically at mothers who are having difficulties with it. A few years ago, the Breastfeeding Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics announced that half of women abandon breastfeeding three months after the baby.
So what does all this tell us? First, it reminds us that breastfeeding is not easy for all mothers. In my particular case, I had many problems, I lacked support and knowing that I did not have the breastfeeding I expected, it did affect my confidence as a mother during the first year of my daughter's life. I felt that I had failed because I failed to give her the best, what she deserved and I wondered why other mothers could and could not.
And unfortunately, Although the intention is to promote breastfeeding, many times this is not done in the best way. The social pressure in recent mothers who are having trouble maintaining or starting breastfeeding is very large. And with that I am not talking about simply stopping to recommend breastfeeding, but we should look for other ways to help.
What can we do to change?
We need to change and improve strategies to support mothers who have difficulties with breastfeeding, since there are different reasons, both physical and psychological, why this could be happening. Some things we can do can range from talking more about realistic experiences and how they were resolved, to creating programs or workshops that include the close family, so that mothers have a strong support network.
Let's start by kindly asking mothers how they carry their breastfeeding, how we can help them and above all, showing empathy for their particular situation. Without criticizing or judging. We all do our best, and when we are recent mothers, we need all possible support and guidance.
Photos | iStock
Via | MSN
In Babies and more | Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of postpartum depression
