Certified Lactation Consultant Practice Exam

Women with postpartum depression are more likely to wean early from breastfeeding due to the emotional and psychological challenges associated with the condition. Postpartum depression can significantly affect a mother's mood, energy levels, and overall ability to engage in caring for her infant. This mental health condition often leads to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, or a lack of desire to breastfeed, making it difficult for women to maintain breastfeeding for the recommended duration. Research has shown that mothers experiencing postpartum depression may struggle with establishing and maintaining breastfeeding, often resulting in early cessation. The lack of support, social isolation, and overwhelming feelings that accompany postpartum depression can further contribute to a mother's decision to stop breastfeeding. Ensuring adequate support and mental health care for these mothers is crucial in helping them continue breastfeeding if they desire to do so. Other conditions such as chronic fatigue, hyperemesis gravidarum, and gestational diabetes can pose challenges during the breastfeeding journey, but postpartum depression has a more direct and significant impact on a mother's psychological well-being, which is fundamentally linked to the duration and success of breastfeeding.