Self-Management for Breastfeeding with Perinatal Mood Disorders
Navigating breastfeeding while managing a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) can feel overwhelming, but with the right support in place, parents can both support their mental health as well as meet their breastfeeding goals. Here are some essential tips for self-management:
- Build a Support System: Connect with your lactation provider, local mental health professionals, and support groups. Having a strong network helps reduce feelings of isolation and can provide practical and emotional guidance.1
- Set Realistic Goals: Focus on progress, not perfection. However you choose to feed your baby, find an approach that works best for your family.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Getting essential, eating well, and engaging in stress-relief activities can support your overall well-being. Taking care of yourself improves your ability to care for your baby.
- Monitor Mental Health: Continue to pay attention to how you’re feeling. If symptoms of depression or anxiety worsen, seek professional help. Therapy, medication, or both may be necessary and can often be compatible with breastfeeding.
- Ask for Help: Involve your partner, community, or trusted family members in caregiving to ensure you get regular breaks. This allows time for healing and can make feeding feel less overwhelming.
- Seek Support Opportunities: Postpartum Support International (PSI)2 offers a wide range of resources, including a helpline, support groups, online courses, and connections to trained professionals. Canopie3 is an organization that focuses on providing evidence-based care, support groups, and therapy for individuals navigating PMADs. Their mental health program centers around new mother confidence and education, and is set up in small, digestible bites to support you. Download Canopie and use this code to get the program for free through Aeroflow: AEROREF.
Breastfeeding with PMADs can be challenging, but with self-care and support, mothers can nourish both their mental health and their baby’s well-being.
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:
- The Brain-Boob Connection
- It Takes a Village
To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
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