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Psychological benefits of breastfeeding

This discussion post explores the psychological benefits of breastfeeding, focusing on how it strengthens mother-child bonds and improves emotional health. It discusses the role of oxytocin in mood regulation and how breastfeeding boosts self-esteem in mothers, reducing stress and depression. The discussion post example, ideal for psychology students, uses APA citations to support its findings.

September 17, 2024

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Psychological Benefits of Breastfeeding

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Psychological Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both the mother and child. According to

Westerfield et al. (2018), various studies have shown that breastfeeding contributes to

cognitive development, social skills, and overall well-being for both mother and child.

Although breastfeeding has numerous nutritional and health benefits for the mother and child

and protection against diseases, such as breast and ovarian cancer, it also has psychological

benefits. This document discusses the various psychological benefits of breastfeeding for

both the mother and child.

Various psychological benefits arise from breastfeeding. The first is positive infant-

mother attachment. Breastfeeding promotes positive infant-mother attachment (Potts, 2019).

During the first and second stages of breast milk supply, the mother's hormonal levels

promote a maternal attitude of comfort with her infant; this translates into comfort with and

trust in the infant. More than any other moment in the relationship between a mother and

child, breastfeeding is characterized by mutuality. Both mother and child form an emotional

connection that continues throughout the relationship (Potts, 2019). Besides, breastfeeding is

associated with favorable mother-infant pairings. Breastfeeding and mother care is associated

with excellent stability, security, reduced conflict and violence, and a willingness to stay in

the relationship.

Another psychological benefit is the regulation of mood. Breastfed infants show more

resilience to stress and have a better sense of stability. Some of the reasons behind this are the

hormone oxytocin released during breastfeeding and mothers breastfeeding their babies for a

healthy duration and not just on demand. Krol and Grossmann (2018) support that the

hormone oxytocin, produced in the brain by mothers while breastfeeding, helps to regulate

mood by causing feelings of calmness, security, and well-being.

Besides, a more positive self-image is beneficial because it connects a mother to her

infant and reminds her of her bond with her child. Breastfeeding also makes mothers feel

fitter, healthier, and more attractive. When a mother decides to breastfeed her baby, she

chooses to give a gift that she believes will bring joy into her child's life (Potts, 2019).

Feeding the baby is an important and excellent opportunity to connect with them deeply. All

of the challenges associated with the experience are worth it if the mother derives true

enjoyment from caring for the baby and seeing the positive effects on their development.

Therefore, breastfeeding the newborn results in increased self-esteem and self-image in both

mother and child.

Furthermore, breastfeeding reduces stress and depression. Breastfeeding decreases

stress and depression by helping to regulate the mother's nervous system. Breastfeeding is

associated with a reduction of stress and anxiety through the mother's relaxation (Husada,

2021). It also helps relieve stress and depression in babies by enabling them to bond with

their mothers, reducing the perceived separation that often causes postpartum depression.

Breastfeeding also helps moms get a good night's sleep and feel better, giving them more

energy to be a parent and return to work or school. This results in fewer symptoms of eating

disorders and even a decrease in anxiety.

In conclusion, in addition to the physical benefits of breastfeeding, there are

numerous psychological benefits for both mother and child. Breastfeeding is a visual

companion for a baby and communicates to a mother that she provides nourishment and

protection. It has been shown that women who breastfeed their babies experience various

psychological benefits, including increased self-esteem, less anxiety, stress, and depression.

References

Husada, A. (2021). Breastfeeding and Depression. Open Access Indonesian Journal of

Medical Reviews, 1(1), 1–7.

Krol, K. M., & Grossmann, T. (2018). Psychological Effects of Breastfeeding on Children

and Mothers. Bundesgesundheitsblatt-Gesundheitsforschung-

Gesundheitsschutz, 61(8), 977-985.

Potts, J. F. (2019). The Physiological and Psychological Effects of Breastfeeding on

Subsequent Mother-Infant Bonding (Doctoral Dissertation, Florida Atlantic

University).

Westerfield, K. L., Koenig, K., & Oh, R. C. (2018). Breastfeeding: Common Questions and

Answers. American Family Physician, 98(6), 368-373.

September 17, 2024

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Academic level:

Undergraduate 3-4

Type of paper:

Discussion post

Discipline:

Statistics

Citation:

APA

Pages:

2 (550 words)