Breastfeeding and Maternal Mental Health

Assessing needs reveals heterogeneous links between breastfeeding and maternal depression, driven by intentions and environmental barriers. Listening to mothers supports breastfeeding decisions and maternal well-being.

A systematic review of 30 lactation interventions across pregnancy and postpartum shows effects on breastfeeding quality and maternal mental health, with lactation consultations and occupational therapy boosting self-efficacy and rates.

Occupational therapy and certified lactation counselor interventions support new mothers and breastfeeding, addressing maternal mental wellness and postpartum depression through client-centered, MoHO-based strategies in a capstone practice.

Develop and apply evidence-based practice in occupation based care by identifying challenges in new mothers and creating wellness tools via the Wellness Recovery Action Plan, promoting lifelong learning.

Create and use a wellness plan with the wrap and wellness toolbox to track self-care ideas, set daily maintenance tasks, and cross them off as you feel well.

Show professionalism, ethical behavior, and advocacy by pursuing the Certified Lactation Counselor certification and completing a 95-hour hybrid course to support new moms through breastfeeding and maternal health.

This lecture outlines six ways loved ones can support moms facing postpartum depression, contrasts baby blues with postpartum depression, and highlights seeking care, daily task help, and professional resources.

Advance occupational therapy practice in maternal health and well-being and the breastfeeding occupation by sharing knowledge through social media posts, educational resources, and an OT practice article.

Identify underlying causes of infant feeding difficulties using a questionnaire checklist, noting body tension from birth or trauma and its carryover to feeding and nervous system regulation.

Using a checklist, this artifact compares feeding difficulties such as GI symptoms, reflux, nervous system dysregulation, tongue tie, and breathing issues, highlighting body tension as a potential underlying cause.

Review true/false questions on the model of human occupation, depressive symptoms and breastfeeding rates, and the impact of occupational therapy and lactation consultations on maternal self-efficacy and mental health.