Postpartum depression has become a big concern for mothers and babies; it has a lifetime impact on the quality of life for both involved. If postpartum depression is not detected in the mother it could potentially lead to life threatening events. Postpartum depression can happen for up to one year following childbirth; this affects about 1 in 4 women. Many instances of postpartum depression go on without any report of it as new mothers do not always want to …show more content…
Breastfeeding lowers the hormonal and physiological conditions associated with depression. Babies that are breastfed have fewer health problems, they don’t need to go to the hospital as often and it lowers the rate of obesity. Breastfeeding outcomes are heavily influenced by the mother’s health, attitude and if they are suffering from postpartum depression. If the mother is suffering from depression they may feel extremely overwhelmed by the challenges of breastfeeding so they give up trying or stop breastfeeding early. The health care providers need to learn the ways to support a mother who has postpartum depression to improve their breastfeeding