Breastfeeding and Maternal Mental Health: You Matter, Too
- Rebecca McCann
- May 13
- 3 min read
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and it feels like the perfect time to talk about something that doesn't get enough attention: Your mental health matters - during breastfeeding and beyond.
As a lactation consultant, I see firsthand how deeply feeding experiences are tied to emotional wellbeing. This is an issue that is particularly important to me, which led me to become certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International in 2021.
I firmly believe that you shouldn't have to choose between breastfeeding your baby and caring for yourself - you deserve support for both.
There is a narrative that often circulates online suggesting that when someone is struggling with postpartum mental health, they should stop breastfeeding to prioritize their wellbeing (especially if feeding difficulties are present). And sometimes, stopping is the right choice - if that's what the parent wants.
But what if she deeply wants to continue breastfeeding? What if giving up breastfeeding actually worsens her mental health symptoms? This is why I believe families deserve support that protects their goals and feeding choices - breastfeeding support and mental health support, not one at the expense of the other.
What Research Says About Breastfeeding and Mental Health
A significant amount of research has explored the connection between breastfeeding and maternal mental health.
Most studies find that breastfeeding is associated with positive mental health outcomes for mothers - though, like many parts of postpartum life, the relationship can be complex.
A 2022 literature review of 55 articles (Yuen et al., available here) found that:
29 studies linked breastfeeding to fewer mental health symptoms
1 study found a connection to more symptoms
6 studies showed mixed results
5 studies specifically highlighted that breastfeeding challenges - not breastfeeding itself - were associated with worse mental health outcomes.
Another 2022 review (Tucker and O'Malley, available here) emphasized that breastfeeding consistently offers important benefits for mothers and infants. Exclusive breastfeeding was found to increase maternal self-efficacy (confidence in one's role as a parent) and provide protection from symptoms of postpartum depression.
What This Means for Families
Breastfeeding can be a source of connection, confidence, and healing for many mothers. At the same time, when breastfeeding feels painful, challenging, isolating, or overwhelming, it can contribute to emotional distress.
Protecting both breastfeeding and maternal mental health is not only possible - it's essential.
If breastfeeding is harder than you expected, it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. It's a signal that you deserve more support. A skilled lactation consultant who centers your mental health can be a vital resource - and working with a mental health professional can be just as important. In ideal situations, they can work collaboratively to support you!
Whether you continue breastfeeding, transition to bottle feeding, or find a combination that works for your family, your wellbeing and your choices matter.
You are doing an incredible job - and you deserve to feel cared for, too.
Resources for Support
You are not alone. If you need support, here are some places to start:
Postpartum Support International - www.postpartum.net
Free support groups, a help line, and coordinators to connect you to local providers.
Perinatal Support Washington - perinatalsupport.org
Warm line, local support groups, and counseling referrals for families in Washington State.
Your healthcare provider or mental health specialist
A lactation consultant who supports your mental health alongside your feeding goals
Final Thought
Taking care of your mental health is taking care of your baby. You deserve support, healing, and care - every step of the way.
References:
Tucker Z, O'Malley C. Mental Health Benefits of Breastfeeding: A Literature Review. Cureus. 2022 Sep 15;14(9):e29199. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29199. PMID: 36258949; PMCID: PMC9572809.
Yuen M, Hall OJ, Masters GA, Nephew BC, Carr C, Leung K, Griffen A, McIntyre L, Byatt N, Moore Simas TA. The Effects of Breastfeeding on Maternal Mental Health: A Systematic Review. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2022 Jun;31(6):787-807. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0504. Epub 2022 Apr 18. PMID: 35442804.
