The mental strain behind breastfeeding

Free Malaysia Today

3 days ago

Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural and joyful experience, but for many Malaysian mothers, it can be a silent source of stress, guilt, and emotional fatigue. (Freepik pic)
KUALA LUMPUR : World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from Aug 1-7, highlights breastfeeding as a foundation for lifelong health, development, and equity.
Breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to ensure a baby's health and survival. It provides safe, nutrient-rich nourishment that protects the child against illness, while strengthening the emotional bond between mother and infant.
While physical breastfeeding challenges are often acknowledged, the emotional and psychological toll remains underdiscussed. For many Malaysian mothers, the experience is deeply emotional, entangled with guilt, stress, and isolation.
Even the most enthusiastic mothers encounter obstacles, ranging from limited breastfeeding knowledge and lack of support from healthcare professionals and family members, to outdated facilities that make breastfeeding more challenging.
These impact not only breastfeeding practices but also mental health. Therefore, a holistic approach is needed – one that integrates education, emotional support, and infrastructure improvements.
Breastfeeding is closely linked with hormonal changes, particularly oxytocin, which promotes relaxation and bonding. However, issues such as low milk supply, difficulty in latching, or painful conditions such as engorged breasts or cracked nipples can trigger emotional stress.
These challenges can heighten anxiety, especially in first-time mothers. There is a significant link between low breastfeeding success rates and postpartum depression: depression can hinder breastfeeding, and breastfeeding challenges can deepen depression.
In Malaysia, breastfeeding is often seen as a moral responsibility and a reflection of good motherhood. As a result, mothers who use formula milk may feel judged or inadequate. Cultural stigma, compounded by rigid messaging from healthcare providers and social media, often intensifies this guilt.
Despite progress in maternal and child healthcare, mental health remains a taboo topic in many Malaysian households. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022 reported that 11.2% of postpartum women showed signs of depression. Yet many cases go undiagnosed and untreated, as emotional distress is often dismissed as a normal part of motherhood.
New mothers often suffer in silence, fearing judgement or being perceived as weak. Some older relatives may downplay their struggles, reinforcing stigma and discouraging open dialogue.
There is a significant link between breastfeeding success rates and postpartum depression: depression can hinder breastfeeding, and breastfeeding challenges can deepen depression. (Freepik pic)
Another key stressor is limited maternity leave. Malaysian women in both public and private sectors typically return to work within 90 days after childbirth, with little time to establish a consistent breastfeeding routine.
Many workplaces lack breastfeeding-friendly policies, such as designated lactation rooms, proper storage, or flexible breaks for mothers to express milk.
Moreover, new mothers often experience emotional exhaustion when torn between workplace responsibilities and their desire to continue breastfeeding. This increases anxiety and frequently leads to the early cessation of breastfeeding.
The importance of support systems
So, what can be done? Structured counselling and peer support groups have been shown to improve outcomes for both breastfeeding and maternal mental health. Partner and family support, in particular, can help mothers navigate the emotional ups and downs.
Organisations such as the Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Association offer mother-to-mother support in safe environments. Such efforts have been proven to reduce postpartum depression and increase breastfeeding success.
Several key steps should be prioritised. Mental health screening must be integrated into postnatal-care routines to identify women who are at risk of emotional distress early on. Healthcare providers must be trained to ensure more empathetic and comprehensive care.
Access to peer support groups and counselling hotlines can provide mothers with timely guidance. Equally important is for workplaces to adopt breastfeeding-friendly policies – providing adequate time, private spaces, and a culture that supports working mums.
By fostering a more empathetic and inclusive system, we can empower mothers, support their choices, and protect their mental well-being – because a healthy mother is the foundation of a healthy family.
This article was written by Dr Malar Kandasamy, senior lecturer in obstetrics and gynaecology, and associate professor Dr Ganesh Ramachandran, head of the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at Taylors University.