(On Demand Recording)

Does Breastfeeding Protect Maternal Mental Health? The Impact of Oxytocin and Stress

(Approved for CE for maintaining PMH-C)

(On Demand Recordings are not approved through NBCC)

$125

Clock Hours: 3 total

Breastfeeding and depression have a complicated relationship; depressed mothers are less likely to breastfeed, yet exclusive breastfeeding lowers the risk of depression. Understanding the physiology of depression helps untangled these apparently contradictory findings. The key is understanding the stress vs oxytocin systems, which mutually suppress each other. Oxytocin suppresses stress, which lowers mothers’ risk. Conversely, when stress is dominant, it suppresses oxytocin, which makes both depression and breastfeeding difficulties more likely. Both skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding release oxytocin, but suckling releases far more via different neurons. Breastfeeding is unique in its ability to inhibit the stress response. Participants will learn about the oxytocin vs stress systems and understand the physiology that protects maternal mental health.

Objectives

1. To understand that depression and other mental health conditions increase the risk of premature breastfeeding cessation. 

2. To understand why stress increases the risk of mental illness and how oxytocin suppresses the stress response. 

3. To describe the role of the parvocellular vs magnocellular neurons in breastfeeding vs skin-to-skin contact.

4. To describe the unique benefits of breastfeeding for trauma survivors. 

5. To describe why secure attachment is the most important goal of all, which breastfeeding facilitates.

Presenter: Kathleen A. KendallTackett, PhD, IBCLC, FAPA

Hidden Barriers, Thoughts and “Support” that Undermine Breastfeeding

Recent research has revealed that some barriers to breastfeeding come in the guise of “help.” This session identifies how mothers’ thoughts can undermine their breastfeeding efforts and how formula companies often prey upon these thoughts. Much of this section was drawn from research on the effects of lockdown during COVID. There are many parallels between that situation and mothers isolated at home with a new baby. This presentation also addresses social support. Most professionals agree that it is important to have, but defining it is tricky. Some actions called “support” actually undermine breastfeeding and become hinderances. Participants will learn how partners, grandmothers, community groups, and healthcare providers can avoid ineffective support and provide effective support. Providers can work with new families to ensure that mothers receive effective support. 

Objectives 

1. To understand how mothers’ thoughts may lead to supplementation and early breastfeeding cessation.

2. To understand how “support” can undermine breastfeeding and how effective support ensures its success.

Presenter: Kathleen A. KendallTackett, PhD, IBCLC, FAPA

Nurturing Mamas Network has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7232. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Nurturing Mamas Network is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. If a participant or potential participant would like to express a concern about his/her experience with Nurturing Mamas Network, he/she may call or e-mail Felicia Hurst at felicia@nurturingmamasnetwork.com.

Although we do not guarantee a particular outcome, the individual can expect us to consider the complaint, make any necessary decisions and respond within 30 days