New research out of the University of Leicester, examines the belief that mothers suffering from postpartum depression will not be able to breastfeed successfully. Researchers found that in some cases breastfeeding contributed to depression by increasing women's sense of the dependency of their babies and their feelings of responsibility for providing sustenance to their babies. The authors found that the self-confidence of mothers with depression suffers as a result of perceived pressure to breastfeed. This pressure would in turn create judgment of themselves as mothers, on the basis of the success of their breastfeeding relationship. This research strongly suggests that depressed mothers need individual breastfeeding support to understand and manage their feelings of uncertainty with breastfeeding and mothering their new babies in general. Researchers also found that many of the breastfeeding mothers suffering from postpartum depression found the experience of breastfeeding to be reassuring to their ability to mother. This breastfeeding relationship allowed them to feel satisfied and connect and nurture their new babies.  Successful breastfeeding relationships gave the mothers even more confidence. This in turn creates more positive interactions and bonding between the mother and their baby.

 
Overall, the research points out two important points; mothers who have battled depression need breastfeeding support, and breastfeeding is beneficial for mothers and babies in numerous ways.  Finally, researchers  reported that individual, psychologically breastfeeding counseling and support could help these mothers succeed with nursing while examining their feelings of depression.