Pregnancy and Infants' Illness Archives

breastfeeding and depression

Follow Ups:

• Re: breastfeeding and depression (Archive in pregnancy.) Walt Stoll 08:32:10 4/10/02 (0)
• Re: breastfeeding and depression Gramma 14:10:25 4/09/02 (0)
• Re: breastfeeding and depression Barb 01:32:10 4/09/02 (1)
  • Re: breastfeeding and depression Raisa 10:11:05 4/09/02 (0)

In Reply to: breastfeeding and depression posted by terena on April 09, 2002 at 00:59:47:

Hi Terena,
I really hate to see you give up breastfeeding your baby since the value of breast milk is so great. Is there a Lelache League in your area? They give lots of support and help for nursing moms. How does your husband feel?
I don't think your suppose to diet while nursing.
Mayibe Walt Stoll can shed some light on diet and the nursing.
Take CAre

Follow Ups:

• Re: breastfeeding and depression Raisa 10:11:05 4/09/02 (0)

In Reply to: Re: breastfeeding and depression posted by Barb on April 09, 2002 at 01:32:10:

Hi, Terena -
It takes much longer than 13 weeks for your weight and shape to return to normal ater having a baby. Did you gain excess weight during your pregnancy? As you know, you don't have to eat extra food just because you are nursing your baby. And you can do exercises to help your uterus get back to normal size. Also, breastfeeding helps with that plus many other things (sagging breasts later on, etc.).
It's sad if your husband doesn't support you. Don't forget, you gave him a beautiful baby and he didn't have to suffer at all! You can get back to your normal weight easier by breastfeeding, in my experience and that of my daughter - she just eats normally (not for two). Good luck in whatever you decide! Raisa

In Reply to: breastfeeding and depression posted by terena on April 09, 2002 at 00:59:47:

I'm sorry that you are feeling bad. Are you getting enough rest? Raisa is right on all counts.
Having a baby is a very physical act of course, but it's also a very emotional one. Give yourself time to adjust to your new life. Don't feel sexy? Maybe it's not the weight of your body, but the weight of your responsibility. Can you talk things over with your man? If he isn't acting like he used to, maybe he's emotionally overwhelmed too. Are their women in your family, or friends that can help? I promise that if you give yourself time and TLC, your old self will come back.

In Reply to: breastfeeding and depression posted by terena on April 09, 2002 at 00:59:47:

Hi, terena.

This is your first baby, right?

Listen to Raisa, Barb & Gramma.

IF you only eat high quality whole foods, you can safely reduce yoru calories and improve the quality and amount of your breast milk at the same time..

ANY junk food you eat does exactly the opposite (including increasing depressive tendencies).

Walt