Brimful29 Okt 2025

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/

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