EL PASO, Texas – While breastfeeding offers clear health benefits for both mother and infant, local health professionals caution that the practice can also bring significant emotional strain. Dr. Erin Brower, a pediatrician practicing in the city, notes that mothers who encounter feeding problems are at higher risk for postpartum depression.
Benefits and risks
Research shows that successful breastfeeding can lower the likelihood of postpartum depression, largely due to the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and calm. However, when a mother struggles to nurse—whether because the baby has a poor latch, low milk supply, or frequent crying—the protective effect can disappear, and depressive symptoms may emerge.
Online advice can mislead
Dr. Brower observes a growing trend: stressed mothers turning to search engines, social‑media platforms, or artificial‑intelligence chatbots for immediate answers, often in the early hours of the morning when their doctors are unavailable. “They’re asking, ‘How much is my baby feeding? How often should they be feeding? Why are they crying?’ and they receive instant feedback at 3 a.m.,” she explains. While the convenience is understandable, the pediatrician warns that much of the information found online is not evidence‑based and may not be tailored to an individual infant’s needs.
Professional help is the safest route
For mothers experiencing difficulties, Dr. Brower recommends contacting a certified lactation consultant or a physician who can assess the situation in person. These professionals can evaluate the mother‑baby dyad, address latch issues, suggest feeding schedules, and provide emotional support. The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) maintains a directory of qualified consultants, and local hospitals often have staff members trained in lactation support.
Resources for postpartum mental health
In addition to feeding assistance, mothers should be aware of resources for postpartum depression. Organizations such as Postpartum Support International offer screening tools, counseling referrals, and peer‑support groups. Early recognition of depressive symptoms—persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, or anxiety—can lead to timely treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Community response
The El Paso community has responded by expanding outreach programs at local health clinics, offering free lactation workshops, and promoting mental‑health screenings for new parents. These initiatives aim to reduce the stigma surrounding postpartum depression and ensure that mothers receive the comprehensive care they need.
For more information on finding a lactation consultant, visit the ILCA website. To learn about postpartum depression resources, see Postpartum Support International.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
