Stress and Breastfeeding: Implication for Maternal and Infant Health

Abstract

The physiological and psychological experiences involved in breastfeeding pose several challenges to the psychosocial well-being of women and infants in global society. More devastating is the outcome it presents in developing societies. Countries like Nigeria which is predominantly patriarchal have constantly predisposed women to physiological and psychological stress, and consequently, this accounts for the heightened cases of maternal/infant mortality. This theoretical paper therefore, is positioned to examine the effects of stress on breastfeeding mothers and the implications it has on the overall health of women and infants particularly in the Southern Senatorial District of Taraba State. The objectives of this paper are to identify the symptoms of stress on breastfeeding mothers and infants, examine the relationship between stress and breastfeeding and recommend stress reduction therapies for breastfeeding mothers and infants. The paper relied on neurobiological pathway theory and psychosocial theory of stress to buttress its claims, while drawing inferences from clinical observations and cultural patterns to establish its assumptions. The paper observed that the existing patriarchal culture seemingly inhibits the psychosocial disposition of women and consequently exposes them to stress. It also observed that the low educational status of women contributes to heightened stress conditions, particularly during breastfeeding and that the unorthodox approach to breastfeeding creates a hazardous condition that further endangers breastfeeding mothers and infants. The paper, among other recommendations, suggests that there is a need for widespread awareness creation on the effects of stress on breastfeeding mothers and infants and for adherence to clinical therapeutic approaches to stress management during breastfeeding.