For new mothers battling postpartum depression, the struggle to breastfeed can feel like one more failure. But a new analysis of existing research offers a glimmer of hope: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy, may help these moms exclusively breastfeed their babies.
The analysis looked at studies testing various treatments for postpartum depression, including CBT, psychological education, esketamine, and a supplement called crocin. When researchers combined the results, they found that CBT stood out. Moms who received CBT were about 54% more likely to exclusively breastfeed compared to those getting usual care.
However, the overall picture is mixed. When the researchers pooled results from all treatments together, the effect on exclusive breastfeeding was not statistically significant. That means the evidence for other treatments is less clear. The analysis also found no significant effects on lactation insufficiency or unsuccessful breastfeeding experiences.
It's important to keep expectations realistic. The researchers note that evidence on how all postpartum depression treatments affect breastfeeding is still limited. This analysis is a step forward, but it's not the final word. If you're struggling with postpartum depression and breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about options like CBT and what might work best for you.
