Presentation Information

Postpartum Mood Disorders, Breastfeeding and the Epigenetic Links from Past Into Future

• Speaker: Laurel Wilson , IBCLC, RLC, BSc, CLE, CCCE, CLD
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 ACNM CEU, 0.1 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

The relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum mood disorders has long been challenging for healthcare providers to completely understand. While the mental and sometimes physical challenges, as well as PMAD medications, can affect the breastfeeding relationship, the importance of continuing breastfeeding for the long-term genetic physical and mental health of the child is only now just beginning to be fully understood. Epigenetics, the environmental influence and expression of the genome, can be impacted by the breastmilk, the physical act of breastfeeding, and physical interaction between mother and child. During this presentation, you will develop an understanding of epigenetics, the role of breastmilk and breastfeeding behavior and our genes, and the epigenetic link that the past and future has to our mothering behaviors in the present.