Breastfeeding with Postpartum Depression

In the United States, about 1 in 5 women experience postpartum depression or other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) during pregnancy or the first year after giving birth. These are common mental health conditions, not personal failings. 

Perinatal mental health conditions can look different from person to person and may include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum rage, and more rarely, postpartum psychosis. 

While some women experience only short-term baby blues, others experience symptoms that last longer or interfere with daily life and caring for their new baby.

Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

The baby blues are very common after giving birth. Hormonal changes, physical recovery, lack of sleep, and the adjustment to caring for a new baby can all contribute to feeling more emotional than usual. You may feel tearful, irritable, overwhelmed, or have mood changes that come and go.

Baby blues typically begin within the first few days after birth and improve within about two weeks postpartum. If these feelings last longer, become more intense, or make it difficult to manage everyday tasks, talk with your healthcare provider. 

You don't have to wait until symptoms become severe to ask for support. 

Understanding Postpartum Depression and PMADs

Symptoms that continue beyond the typical baby blues may be a sign of postpartum depression or another PMAD. Common symptoms include:

• Mood swings or persistent feelings of sadness

• Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Fatigue or feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks

• Changes in appetite or physical symptoms like headaches and body aches

• Feeling disconnected from your baby or partner

• Thoughts of guilt, hopelessness, or fear of being a “bad mother”

If these symptoms persist or become intense, it’s time to reach out for professional help. Untreated postpartum depression and other PMADs can worsen over time, but recovery is absolutely possible with the right care and support. 

Screening and Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may use tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to evaluate symptoms and recommend next steps. Screening can help identify depression symptoms early and connect you with the care and support you need. 

Be open with your healthcare provider about how you’re feeling, even if you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is postpartum depression. Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical recovery. 

Why Does Postpartum Depression Happen?

There’s no single cause of postpartum depression or PMADs. However, some risk factors can place new mothers at an increased risk, including:

• History of depression or family history of depression

• Hormone levels after birth

• Stressful life events, relationship issues, or lack of support

• Complications during pregnancy or delivery

• Lack of sleep and exhaustion

Knowing the risk factors can help you recognize symptoms and talk with your healthcare provider about screening and social support during pregnancy or after delivery. 

Managing Breastfeeding While Healing

Breastfeeding is an important part of many mothers' postpartum experience, but taking care of yourself matters, too. If breastfeeding is important to you, you don't have to choose between working toward your breastfeeding goals and getting the care you need. Whether you need help with breastfeeding, mental health support, or both, you deserve support that takes all of your needs into account. 

While research suggests that exclusive breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of postpartum depression, breastfeeding is not a treatment for postpartum depression. If you're experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or PMADs, getting appropriate care is important. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, getting support early can help you address breastfeeding challenges and find an approach to feeding that works for you while supporting your overall well-being. 

Here are some ways to care for yourself while working toward your breastfeeding goals:

Find What Works for You 

Every feeding journey looks different. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, or doing both, focus on what works best for you, your family, and your mental health. A lactation consultant can help you develop a plan for meeting your feeding goals, while also helping you find ways to make feeding more manageable if challenges arise. 

Take Care of Yourself, Too

Healing and recovery take energy, and it's okay to make your own well-being a priority. Rest as much as you can, accept help with daily tasks, eat nourishing foods, stay hydrated, and move your body gently when you’re ready. Finding ways to reduce stress, take breaks, and make time for activities you enjoy can also help you take care of yourself during this time. 

Build Your Support System

You don't have to manage everything on your own. Lean on your partner, friends, or family when you need extra help. You can also connect with healthcare providers, lactation consultants, or peer support groups. Having people you can talk to and turn to can make it easier to ask for help when you need it. 

Talk to Your HealthCare Provider

Let your healthcare provider know how you're feeling. They can help you understand your treatment options and determine what type of care may be right for you. If recommended, many antidepressant medications are compatible with breastfeeding and have minimal side effects on breastfed infants. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and risks of treatment and monitor how you're doing as you recover. 

Mental Health Resources

If you need someone to talk to or want additional support, there are resources available through Aeroflow and other organizations. You don't have to figure out where to start on your own. 

Aeroflow Resources

Aeroflow Breastpumps offers information, classes, and community resources to help mothers learn more about maternal mental health and find support during pregnancy and postpartum.

Our Care Guides cover topics related to birth, breastfeeding, nutrition, mental health, and other aspects of caring for yourself and your baby. 

Aeroflow also offers classes such as The Brain-Boob Connection, which explores the connection between mental health and breastfeeding. You can also connect with other breastfeeding families and receive lactation and parenting support through Aeroflow's Facebook Group, The Pumping Room.

Canopie App

Aeroflow Breastpumps partners with the Canopie app to provide access to personalized mental health programs and coaching for pregnancy and postpartum. Canopie offers evidence-based support for common challenges such as sleep, feeding, relationships, identity changes, anxiety, and depression. Access is free with the code AEROREF. 

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

PSI offers a helpline that you can call or text at 800-944-4773 to connect with support and information about perinatal mental health. They also offer virtual support groups, educational resources, and local referrals to mental health professionals and other support services. PSI can be a helpful place to start if you're looking for support for postpartum depression, anxiety, or other perinatal mental health concerns. 

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Call or text 833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) anytime, 24/7, for free, confidential mental health support. Counselors can provide support, information, and referrals to local or telehealth providers. You can reach out whether you're looking for immediate support or simply need help finding the right resources for what you're experiencing. 

When to Seek Urgent Help

If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or experience symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion, paranoia, or extreme agitation, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. These symptoms can be signs of a mental health emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Finding Your Way Forward

Coping with postpartum depression while caring for a new baby takes courage, but recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face this alone. Leaning on your support network, reaching out for professional help, and practicing self-compassion all make a meaningful difference.

Healing may take time, and some days may feel harder than others, but each step you take toward getting help is a powerful act of love for yourself and your baby.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.