General Information:

• Breastfeeding, when going well, is protective of maternal & child mental health (Research articles here)
• Local breastfeeding support can be found here
• Breastfeeding is compatible with most medications – more information on medication selection here
• Breastfeeding improves both the quantity and quality of maternal sleep – (research article here)
• The Effects of Breastfeeding on Maternal Mental Health: A Systematic Review concludes that breastfeeding is associated with improved maternal mental health. However, difficulties experienced during breastfeeding can negatively impact the mental health outcomes of mothers. Personalized lactation support by clinicians may help reduce the risk of developing mental health problems.

Resources:

• Mental Health Benefits of Breastfeeding: A Literature Review
• Breastfeeding Has Mental Health Benefits (1-page handout from Michigan Breastfeeding Network)
• “Breastfeeding and Mental Health Guidance Pocket Guide” (3×5 | 8.5×11) (Michigan Breastfeeding Network)
• The “Lactation After Infant Death (AID) Framework”: A Guide for Online Health Information Provision About Lactation After Stillbirth and Infant Death (NIH, National Library of Medicine)