S2 E3 Why We Don't Give Permission to Quit, with IBCLCs Erin Dykstra & Pamela Tessmann

In This Episode:

• How breastfeeding can lower stress hormones and inflammation — key factors linked to depression.
  

• How exclusive breastfeeding supports better sleep quality and quantity for mothers.
  

• The bidirectional link between mental health and lactation: each impacts the other.
  

• The protective effects of breastfeeding for trauma survivors.
  

• How poor or dismissive support increases depression risk, and positive support decreases it.
  

• Rethinking the idea of “permission to quit” through the lens of autonomy, respect, and real care.
  

References Mentioned:

Kendall-Tackett, K. A. (2015). Depression in New Mothers: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment Alternatives. Available via PubMed Central: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4842365/

Key findings: Breastfeeding reduces cortisol and inflammation, improves sleep, and protects against depression — especially in trauma survivors.

Dennis, C.-L., & McQueen, K. (2016). The relationship between infant-feeding outcomes and postpartum depression: A longitudinal study. CMAJ Open, 4(1), E103–E109. https://www.cmajopen.ca/content/4/1/E103

Study of 380 mothers in Calgary: 88% experienced feeding difficulties. When support was perceived as positive, risk of postpartum depression dropped from 14.9% to 5.25%. Negative or dismissive support did not improve outcomes.

Connect with us:

Host: Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC www.brimfamilycare.ca Instagram: @brim.familycare

Buy Me a Coffee to support the show: buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

Guest: Erin Dykstra, IBCLC Sweet Spot Lactation Instagram: @sweetspotlactation

Find a Lactation Consultant in BC

https://bclca.wildapricot.org/