Breastfeeding Support and Messaging: A Call to Integrate Public Health and Psychological Perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: Appropriate attention to maternal mental health is missing in many public health breastfeeding promotion efforts. Although there are many benefits to breastfeeding for both mom and infant, the relationship between maternal mental health and breastfeeding is complex. Breastfeeding may not be the most effective or feasible option for all mothers.

Methods: We highlight a key international breastfeeding promotion program and argue that consideration for maternal mental health could be further incorporated into the initiative. We provide examples of how this could be done and also state that further guidance on the best alternative feeding practices to ensure the healthy development of infants is needed.

Results and conclusion: There is an opportunity to enhance public health breastfeeding initiatives by integrating a perinatal mental health perspective into their guidelines and accompanying resources.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Depression; Postpartum depression; Public health initiatives.