The consequences of the pastpartum depression on breastfeeding
The consequences of the pastpartum depression on breastfeeding

Summary/Abstract: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major health problem, and in recent years its prevalencehas been increasing. The physiological changes and mood disorders associated withpregnancy and the postnatal period are mainly due to a hormonal imbalance. Destabilizingthe mother's hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis increases the susceptibility todepression, probably by significantly increasing plasma cortisol. Stress and inflammation playa key role in postpartum. Also, lactogenic hormones have antidepressant and anxiolyticeffects, the low concentration of oxytocin in the perinatal period being a triggering factor ofPPD.Natural nutrition, ideal for every newborn and infant, positively influences the mother'smental health and may reduce the risk of developing PPD, possibly by attenuating cortisolresponse to stress. The link between breastfeeding and PPD has not been thoroughlyapproached. PPD is associated with early termination of breastfeeding, while long-termbreastfeeding reduced the risk of PPD. The mother's willingness to breastfeed, her confidencein the ability to breastfeed, her mental health during pregnancy, her family's support, andtrained medical staff are some of the mediators that can contribute to the maintenance ofnatural nutrition in PPD.

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