Approximately 15 to 25 percent of mothers worldwide become depressed in the year after birth. Depression is something that has serious consequences for both you and your baby. Depression can also increase your risk of stopping breastfeeding altogether. But continuing to breastfeed is both good for both you and it protects your baby. So we would encourage you to continue to breastfeed if at all possible.
The good news is that most treatments for depression are safe for breastfeeding mothers. Below are some resources to help you cope with depression.
Treatment Options
Antidepressants
Non-drug Treatments
- Bright Light Therapy for Depression
- Can Fats Make you Happy? Omega-3s and Depression
- Exercise as a Treatment for Depression in New Mothers
- Massage Therapy for Depression
- How Other Cultures Prevent Postpartum Depression
- Non-drug Treatments for Depression
- Non-drug Treatments for Trauma
- Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Anxiety
Information and Resources
- Online PPD Support Group
- Medline Plus: Postpartum Depression
- Postpartum Progress
- WellPostpartum.com
- MedEDPPD.org
- Postpartum Support International
