ТЕОРЕТИЧНО ИЗСЛЕДВАНЕ НА ВРЪЗКАТА МЕЖДУ КЪРМЕНЕ И ПСИХИЧНО ЗДРАВЕ НА МАЙКАТА
THEORETICAL STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH

Summary/Abstract: Breastfeeding has a number of benefits for the health and well-being of both mother and child. The aim of this theoretical study is to examine the relationship between breastfeeding and maternal mental health. A non-systematic review is conducted and the relationship between breastfeeding and distress, postpartum depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and postpartum psychosis, mental well-being and quality of life is examined. The results showed that distress negatively affected lactation and duration of exclusive breastfeeding, but at the same time breastfeeding reduced maternal distress. There is also a dual influence between postpartum depression and breastfeeding – breastfeeding has a protective effect, but depressive symptoms may negatively affect breastfeeding. Maternal PTSD in turn is associated with non-initiation of breastfeeding or with early weaning. It has been suggested that breastfeeding may have a protective effect and reduce the risk of later schizophrenia. However, caution should be exercised to women with a history or high risk of postpartum psychosis, as breastfeeding and weaning are risky in these cases. The impact of breastfeeding on maternal psychological well-being and quality of life is poorly studied. High levels of psychological well-being are reported to positively affect breastfeeding self-efficacy, and well-being is dependent on the type of motivation a woman has towards breastfeeding. Results on how breastfeeding affects maternal quality of life are contradictory and clearly influenced by cultural context. Further researches, particularly in a national context, are important for a more thorough understanding of the relationship between breastfeeding and women’s mental health.

• Details
• Contents