Beyond Baby Blues
Around 1 in 5 women will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the early years after having a baby. In Beyond Baby Blues, perinatal psychiatrists Lynsey and Chrissy discuss topical issues in maternal mental health.
This podcast is for anyone with an interest in pregnancy, parenting, and mental health: if you are a parent or expectant parent, a healthcare professional working with women and birthing people, or just want to know more about this emerging field, then there is something in the podcast for you!
With thanks to the Royal College of Psychiatrists Faculty of Perinatal Psychiatry.
Beyond Baby Blues
Infant feeding
Infant feeding is an intrinsic part of parenthood. When it goes well it can be incredibly rewarding, but it's not always straightforward and many parents experience difficulties.
In this episode, Lynsey and Chrissy discuss the different factors that influence feeding decisions, the intricate relationship between infant feeding and mental health, and the challenges around medication and breastfeeding.
References and resources:
- Supporting positive conversations about feeding choice and mental health (The Breastfeeding Network, 2017)
- Guilt, shame, and postpartum feeding outcomes: a systematic review (Jackson et al., 2021)
- The Breastfeeding Network
- First Steps Nutrition Trust
- GP Infant Feeding Network
- World Health Organisation factsheets
- The politics of breastfeeding - Gabriel Palmer
- Why formula feeding matters - Shel Banks
- Why breastfeeding matters - Charlotte Young
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health difficulties, there is lots of help available. You can contact your primary care provider in the first instance, or if you are based in the UK the NHS perinatal mental health website will help you to find support in your local area.
