From memory, I don't recall my OB telling me about signs of Postpartum Psychosis, only Depression and Anxiety. I am currently 10 months postpartum. I'm glad to know about it now, from my 21st century online village.
I wonder how much of the variation in whether quitting breastfeeding improves or worsens mental health is due to hormonal birth control?
I have found breastfeeding euphoric with all three kids so far. But every time I get pregnant, breastfeeding turns dysphoric, so I stop. I'm sure it's due to the hormone shift. I figure it's my body's way of telling me it doesn't have the resources for both at the same time (although I know some people successfully tandem nurse).
But I don't use hormonal birth control. Many people do, even while nursing. I could very easily imagine that could make breastfeeding dysphoric. Maybe that's why some people say that quitting breastfeeding improves their mental health.
How sad that birth and breastfeeding are two of the most special and euphoric hormonal/emotional/relational experiences humans get, but they're unique to females, so our patriarchal system that doesn't value them typically ruins the first with a hostile hospital setting and epidural/pitocin/C-section and ruins the second with hormonal birth control and forcing mothers back into the office.
My heart aches reading about these stories.
From memory, I don't recall my OB telling me about signs of Postpartum Psychosis, only Depression and Anxiety. I am currently 10 months postpartum. I'm glad to know about it now, from my 21st century online village.
<3
This one 🥺
I wonder how much of the variation in whether quitting breastfeeding improves or worsens mental health is due to hormonal birth control?
I have found breastfeeding euphoric with all three kids so far. But every time I get pregnant, breastfeeding turns dysphoric, so I stop. I'm sure it's due to the hormone shift. I figure it's my body's way of telling me it doesn't have the resources for both at the same time (although I know some people successfully tandem nurse).
But I don't use hormonal birth control. Many people do, even while nursing. I could very easily imagine that could make breastfeeding dysphoric. Maybe that's why some people say that quitting breastfeeding improves their mental health.
How sad that birth and breastfeeding are two of the most special and euphoric hormonal/emotional/relational experiences humans get, but they're unique to females, so our patriarchal system that doesn't value them typically ruins the first with a hostile hospital setting and epidural/pitocin/C-section and ruins the second with hormonal birth control and forcing mothers back into the office.