The psychology of breastfeeding for the mother: Evidence for personal wellbeing

Abstract

In addition to the many benefits of breastfeeding for the infant evidenced in the literature, breastfeeding also correlates with psychological and other health gains in the mother and affords opportunities for her flourishing. Research suggests hormonal influences in the woman's body can reduce anxiety and bring about positive affect toward self and others. Research further indicates benefits in physical health. It is hypothesized in this study that the repeated act of breastfeeding may also be associated with maternal character strength and virtue development and therefore additionally benefit women on a psychological level. This would be the case according to the positive psychology understanding that character strengths and virtues along with positive subjective states are psychologically adaptive and contributive to human happiness. Results of the questionnaire used in this exploratory study support the thesis that in addition to health benefits that support psychological wellbeing, breastfeeding is broadly psychologically beneficial. A small sample (n=39) of breastfeeding women reliably endorsed statements regarding experiences of positive emotion, perseverance, a sense of awe, gratitude, generosity, overall wellbeing, and being enhanced as a person and woman.