Dispelling Myths to Support Breastfeeding in Women With Postpartum Depression

Increasing attention is being paid to the possible connection between infant feeding practices and postpartum depression. Nurses caring for women and their families in the postpartum period might wonder how to best support the breastfeeding relationship if a woman has a history of depression. Using evidence from the scientific literature, this article dispels some myths regarding breastfeeding and depression, and provides suggested dialogue nurses can use when counseling women about depression and breastfeeding.