Challenges of Breastfeeding and Psychological Implications in the Puerperal Period: an Integrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-9432.2026v5n2p310-331Keywords:
Mental health;, Breastfeeding, Emotional impact, Breastfeeding difficulties;, Lactating mothers.Abstract
Mental health is a state of well-being essential for productivity and coping with daily challenges. During the pregnancy-puerperal period, breastfeeding difficulties can intensify depressive symptoms, affect the mother-baby bond, and increase the risk of early weaning. Mothers who do not exclusively breastfeed tend to be more emotionally vulnerable. This reinforces the importance of adequate mental health support to ensure successful breastfeeding. This review aimed to analyze the scientific evidence available in the literature on the relationship between breastfeeding and maternal mental health, focusing on the psychological impact of breastfeeding difficulties. This is an integrative literature review, where the following guiding question was formulated: “What are the psychological impacts experienced by breastfeeding mothers who face difficulties during the breastfeeding process?” Databases consulted included PubMed (National Library of Medicine), BVS (Virtual Health Library), and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online). Studies fully available, published between 2020 and 2025, and in Portuguese, Spanish, and English were included. Ten (n=10) studies were selected for this review.The studies indicated that challenges such as severe pain, poor latch, mastitis, formula use, and unplanned pregnancy are experienced as traumatic. Combined with lack of support, these factors cause significant psychological impacts, such as stress, anxiety, depression, guilt, and low self-esteem in postpartum women.In conclusion, care for the puerperal woman should include physical, emotional, and social aspects. Nursing professionals play a key role in supporting maternal mental health by providing preventive and compassionate care during breastfeeding.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ismael Da Silva Costa, Valdenir Conceição de Oliveira , Jadson Vinicius Nascimento Oliveira , Mayconn Douglas Alves dos Santos, Jerônimo Abreu Costa Junior, Diana Mota Sousa , Ana Caroline Silva de Sousa, Felipe Barbosa de Sousa Costa, Manuely Cris Monteiro Veras, Raquel dos Santos Lima
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