Kristin Park's blog http://www.blogher.com/blog/15197/atom/feed 2008-01-04T11:49:07-06:00 Breastfeeding and postpartum depression -- is there a connection?? http://www.blogher.com/breastfeeding-and-postpartum-depression-there-connection 2008-01-04T11:41:06-06:00 2008-01-04T11:49:07-06:00 Kristin Park I've been blogging for quite some time on the topic of postpartum depression and prevention of this horrible mood disorder, and any time I mention breastfeeding, I get slammed. But, here I go again.....

]]> I've been blogging for quite some time on the topic of postpartum depression and prevention of this horrible mood disorder, and any time I mention breastfeeding, I get slammed. But, here I go again.....

From my experience, I believe that there is a real connection between the hormones (ie: prolactin) that are produced during lactation and the incidence of postpartum depression. I've had four babies and with my last, I was determined to prevent the nightmarish PPD that I experienced with my third baby. I chose not to breastfeed, and instead focused on getting my body "back" and my hormones regulated as quickly and smoothly as possible. I ended up having an absolutely wonderful postpartum experience.

I recently heard from a woman on my blog, http://ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com, who suffered from Postpartum Psychosis after the births of two of her four children. Interestingly enough, she suffered from PPP only with the two children she breastfed. When she didn't breastfeed, she didn't suffer from PPP.

Has anyone else recognized this hormonal connection between Postpartum Mood Disorders and Breastfeeding?

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