Does bottle feeding induce mourning in a new mother?

   A new mother snuggles her baby.

An intriguing new theory is being proposed about the effects of bottle feeding on the maternal psyche. It goes like this. University of Albany evolutionary psychologist Gordon Gallup and his colleagues hypothesize that when the act of giving birth is not followed by suckling an infant, a mother's body receives the message that her baby has died. The hormonal and chemical changes that occur in her body as her milk dries up send the message to her brain that her baby has died, triggering a mourning response in the new mother.

This theory, which was published in an article in Medical Hypothesis, provides  an intriguing explanation for why some research has shown a higher incidence of post partum depression among bottle feeding mothers.

Other research, however, seems to suggest that maternal depression precedes a mother's decision to stop breastfeeding. At least one study found that depressed mothers breastfeed less often than non-depressed mothers. Because a mother makes milk in response to her infant's suckling, a mother who feeds less frequently will produce less milk than a frequently nursing mother. A new mother who feels her baby is not receiving enough milk at her breast can easily become discouraged with breastfeeding and seek to provide adequate nutrition for her baby through formula supplementation. The more formula a baby receives, the less breast milk he will take and consequently the mother will produce less milk. Without intervention and support, this cycle will ultimately result in the premature cessation of the breastfeeding relationship.

Does bottle feeding cause post partum depression or are already depressed mothers more likely to bottle feed? The answer is probably not so straightforward. The suckling and skin-to-skin contact involved in breastfeeding produces oxytocin, the "love hormone." This can certainly have a mood elevating effect for new mothers. Research has also shown that breastfeeding mothers demonstrate more confidence in their mothering role, and increased confidence helps over come depressed mood. But it is certainly possible for breastfeeding mothers to suffer from post partum depression. And a mother who bottle feeds, for whatever reason, is not doomed to depression. 

The human psyche is extremely complex and the factors influencing depression, especially post partum depression are not clearly understood. What we do know is that new mothers need a lot of support to adjust to their new roles. And mothers with post partum depression who wish to breastfeed may need added support to help them reach this goal.

For more info: 

Information and support for postpartum depression

• Post Partum Support International, Colorado Chapter
  
• Postpartum support group at Exempla St. Joseph's Hospital
• Colorado Pospartum Doulas
  
• Postpartum adjustment resource guide from kellymom.com
  
• Postpartum depression from La Leche League International

Research articles

• Links between early post-partum mood and post-natal depression
• Impact of postnatal depression on breastfeeding duration
• Breastfeeding in depressed mother-infant dyads