Como a pressão para amamentar pode impactar a saúde mental

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 Dados do NHS e da Saúde Pública da Inglaterra. This is less than the PHE-recomendados seis meses.

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

Problemas comuns de amamentação

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 saúde mental.

"Women should never feel guilty if they are struggling to breastfeed their baby or choose not to. While evidence shows that amamentação 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 Colégio Real de Parteiras.

"There are many reasons why difficulties may arise, for instance, it can take longer for your milk to come in after a cesariana than after a parto vaginal," she adds. "Some babies are born with freio lingual 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 bem-estar mental."

Women may choose to switch to fórmula 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.

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

In a Priory pesquisa 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 baixo astral pós-natal, ansiedade 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 saúde mental - 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 estressante, mas as mulheres devem tentar não deixar que isso afete sua saúde mental e bem-estar, pois há muito com que lidar quando se torna mãe."

It's important to rethink how we treat grávidas women and value their choices, particularly when it comes to feeding. While the benefits of amamentação 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.

Procure apoio se você quiser amamentar ou usar fórmula

Se você está preocupado com seu bebê e como ele está se alimentando, não hesite em falar com sua parteira, visitante de saúde ou médico.

"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 amamentação."

Similarly, parents of babies that are alimentados com fórmula, seja exclusivamente ou parcialmente, deve receber as informações para que possam fazê-lo com segurança. "Eles devem receber apoio para incentivar o processo de vínculo", diz D'Angelo. Pegar regularmente seu bebê e envolver-se em contato pele a pele, seja durante a amamentação ou não, pode ajudá-lo a construir uma conexão emocional com seu recém-nascido.

Converse com seu médico

If you are struggling with your saúde mental 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 aconselhamento 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 auto-referir-se para terapia no NHS 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 20% of women have depression and ansiedade in pregnancy and after birth.

Converse com amigos e familiares de confiança

It's also essential to talk to trusted friends and family about how you feel. New maternidade/paternidade can be a difficult and isolating time, particularly if you are struggling with feeding. Grupos de pré-natal e bebês are a good place to chat with like-minded people who may well be feeling the same as you.