CLINICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL CHANGES IN WOMEN DURING LACTATION: SPECIFIC FEATURES AND INFLUENCING FACTORS
Keywords:
lactation, postpartum period, cognitive changes, memory, attention, sleep disturbance, postpartum depression, anxiety, fatigue, breastfeeding, maternal healthAbstract
The lactation period is associated with complex neuroendocrine, metabolic, and psychoemotional adaptations in the female body. During this time, temporary changes in cognitive functions—particularly memory, attention, and executive functioning—may occur, along with sleep disturbances, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.In the postpartum period, functional and structural brain changes, sleep fragmentation, nocturnal awakenings, and psychological stress can affect daily functioning, the quality of infant care, and social adaptation.At the same time, breastfeeding may have a protective effect by modulating the stress response and supporting emotional stability. Early identification of cognitive, emotional, and autonomic changes during lactation, along with the assessment of associated risk factors, is important for maintaining maternal health and preventing postpartum complications.
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