Author: Natalie Groiss, IBCLC, DGKP
Author Information and Disclosure of Conflicts of InterestAbstract
Mental health issues during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding pose a particular challenge for affected families and the healthcare professionals who support them. Depression, anxiety disorders or postpartum adjustment disorders not only affect the mother’s emotional experience, but also breastfeeding initiation, bonding behaviour and how the child is cared for. This article deals with how breastfeeding counselling in such situations can be made mindful, individualised and resource oriented. It highlights not only medical aspects, but also the psychosocial context, the importance of sleep, the role of communication and how counsellors deal with stress they experience in such situations.
The focus is on an understanding, non-judgmental relationship with the mother founded on empathy, clarity and stability. Counselling focuses on encouraging self-efficacy, coping skills and realistic perspectives – while maintaining the counsellor’s own boundaries. By providing practical ideas on conducting conversations, information on breastfeeding-friendly psychotropic drugs, and measures to support the everyday lives of affected families, the article aims to encourage new ways of thinking and to make breastfeeding possible despite psychological stress – while at the same time encouraging healthcare professionals not to lose sight of themselves.
Keywords: mental illness, postpartum depression, baby blues, psychotropic drugs, bonding, sleep, breastfeeding counselling
How to cite: Groiss N: Providing Breastfeeding-Friendly Support to Mothers with Mental Health Challenges: Between Coping and Crisis. Lactation & Breastfeeding 2026;1:03.
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Natalie Groiss is a certified nurse specialising in paediatric and adolescent care, intensive care and anaesthesia nursing. She is a regular member of the Europäisches Institut für Stillen und Laktation (European Institute for Breastfeeding and Lactation, EISL) and, as an IBCLC, supports families during the first months of life in Vienna, her hometown.The author declares that she has no conflicts of interest or financial relationships with commercial products.