Come la pressione di allattare al seno può influenzare la salute mentale

Almost three-quarters of women in England start breastfeeding after giving birth, but less than half are still doing so two months later according to Dati del NHS e della Sanità Pubblica Inglese. This is less than the PHE-sei mesi raccomandati.

Many women are aware of the benefits of allattamento, which can boost a baby's ability to fight malattie and infection, reduce the risk of digestive problems and encourage bonding between the mother and baby. However, the challenging reality of allattamento is often glossed over, leaving women feeling as if they have failed.

Problemi comuni dell'allattamento al seno

There may be problems with the way the baby is latching onto the breast, a lack of milk, mastite, pain and sore nipples. Women often struggle with the pressure to feed very regularly, as well as the lack of sleep due to nighttime feeding. As a result, lots of new mothers find themselves feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and struggling with their giornata di salute mentale.

"Women should never feel guilty if they are struggling to breastfeed their baby or choose not to. While evidence shows that allattamento in line with WHO guidance brings optimum benefits for the health of both mother and baby, it is not always possible," says Alessandra D'Angelo, quality and standards advisor for the Collegio Reale delle Ostetriche.

"There are many reasons why difficulties may arise, for instance, it can take longer for your milk to come in after a taglio cesareo than after a parto vaginale," she adds. "Some babies are born with anchiloglossia which can prevent them from latching on properly - which can then lead to sore or cracked nipples or blocked ducts and mastitis. This can also impact a woman's benessere mentale."

Women may choose to switch to latte artificiale milk for a variety of reasons. For example, if they need to return to work, have other caring commitments or if breastfeeding simply doesn't suit their needs. Although choosing how to feed their baby is a personal choice, many women are made to feel ashamed about their decision.

Problemi di allattamento e salute mentale materna

Research suggests the pressure to breastfeed can have a negative psychological impact on women. According to a studio of more than 2,500 women, women who had a negative experience of breastfeeding were more likely to have symptoms of postpartum depression. Separate ricerche has found that women who planned to breastfeed but were unable to have higher rates of depressione.

In a Priory ha rivelato of more than 1,000 parents, eight in 10 believe breastfeeding problems fuel depression in new mums when unsuccessful or painful. The vast majority of those polled said the pressure to nurse contributed to malumore postnatale, ansia and feelings of guilt and shame. From 'mummy bloggers' to friends and relatives, this pressure to persevere with breastfeeding -regardless of the impact on maternal giornata di salute mentale - can come from all directions.

"Of course, every woman wants the best for their baby and many women try to breastfeed their newborn with the best intentions to sustain it, but this isn't always possible," says D'Angelo. "We understand that this can be momento stressante, ma le donne dovrebbero cercare di non lasciare che questo influisca sulla loro salute mentale e benessere, poiché ci sono molte sfide da affrontare quando si diventa madri."

Come affrontare la pressione di allattare al seno

It's important to rethink how we treat incinta women and value their choices, particularly when it comes to feeding. While the benefits of allattamento should be made clear and adequate support and advice provided, there should be no pressure to nurse - particularly if it is causing harm or distress to the mother.

Cerca supporto se desideri allattare al seno o con il biberon

Se sei preoccupato per il tuo bambino e per come si sta alimentando, non esitare a parlare con la tua ostetrica, il tuo assistente sanitario o il tuo medico.

"It's important to seek support from your midwife or health visitor especially in the first few days or weeks if you feel you are struggling to breastfeed or have any concerns," says D'Angelo. "They can give breastfeeding mothers and their partners information and support to help manage the physical, mental, emotional, and societal challenges of allattamento."

Similarly, parents of babies that are alimentati con formula, sia esclusivamente che parzialmente, dovrebbe essere fornita l'informazione per consentire loro di farlo in sicurezza. "Dovrebbero ricevere supporto per incoraggiare il processo di legame," dice D'Angelo. Prendere regolarmente in braccio il tuo bambino e impegnarsi in contatto pelle a pelle, sia durante l'allattamento che no, può aiutarti a costruire un legame emotivo con il tuo neonato.

Parla con il tuo medico

If you are struggling with your giornata di salute mentale at any point during or after pregnancy, it is important to speak to your doctor. Your health visitor can also support you during the postnatal period too.

From consulenza e terapia to medication, there are many different ways to manage and treat postnatal mental health problems - your midwife, healthcare worker or GP can help and refer you if needed. You can also autosegnalarsi per la terapia presso il SSN and may be bumped up the waiting list if you are pregnant or have recently given birth.

Postnatal mental health problems are common and there is no shame in asking for help. Between 10% e il 20% of women have depression and ansia in pregnancy and after birth.

Parla con amici fidati e familiari

It's also essential to talk to trusted friends and family about how you feel. New genitorialità can be a difficult and isolating time, particularly if you are struggling with feeding. Gruppi prenatali e per neonati are a good place to chat with like-minded people who may well be feeling the same as you.