Breastfeeding keeps depression at bay, experts advise

Breastfeeding evades negativity, harbors positive energy
It is seen that post natal stress or post-partum depression (PPD) is a common clinical illness in new mothers.

Studies report its prevalence rates among women from 5 percent to 25 percent and, in first time fathers from 1.2 percent to 25.5 percent.

Symptoms of post natal depression include sadness, fatigue, change in sleeping and eating patterns, reduced libido, crying episodes, anxiety, and irritability.

It is sometimes assumed that postpartum depression is caused by a lack of vitamins but studies have shown that the significant changes in a woman's hormones during pregnancy are more likely to be blamed.

On the occasion of 'Breastfeeding week' (from Aug. 1-7 ), Dr Devang Parikh, president of the Academy of Paediatrics, Ahmedabad, which is organizing seminars, lectures, and poster presentations for public awareness in various hospitals, said, "Breast milk is nature's formula which gives complete nutrition to infants, which not only ensures good health during infancy, but also helps fight stress and depression at a later stage during adulthood."

Experts clarify that feeding helps in reducing bleeding after delivery and chances of breast abscess, lowers the risk of breast cancer, helps shedding pregnancy weight, develops emotional bonding with child, and infuses immense satisfaction.

All these factors give way to positive energies and inner strength to fight with post pregnancy problems.

The finding was published in the 'International Breastfeeding Journal.'

Breastfeeding benefits to the toddler
According to international organizations like WHO and UNICEF, breastfeeding can avert neonatal death due to early infections.

Out of the 8.8 million infants that are estimated to die every year, around 1.5 million babies could be saved only by exclusive breast-feeding, they averred.

Dr K Krishna Swaroop, senior paediatrician from Hyderabad, said, “'colostrum', the first milk, is a vital factor in preventing common illnesses including diarrhoea and respiratory tract infection, ear and urinary tract infections in the baby.”

Doctors suggest that mother's milk has got the right proportion of nutrients like water, proteins, carbohydrates, cholesterol and antibodies, which are instrumental in baby's growth.

Secondly, it is easily digestible compared to formula milk and breast fed babies are less likely to be obese in later life.

It's a best gift a mother can give, and a child can can ever get.