Breastfeeding is linked to lower risk of long-term depression and anxiety in mothers.

Breastfeeding is linked to lower risk of long-term depression and anxiety in mothers.

Breastfeeding and maternal mental health

Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in mothers up to 10 years after pregnancy, show the results of an observational study published in the journalBMJ Openwas published.

What the study shows

The observed associations apply to both occasional and exclusive breastfeeding as well as to long-term breastfeeding (at least 12 months), as the study shows.

Breastfeeding is known to reduce the risk of postnatal depression and anxiety, but it was unclear whether these reduced risks persisted in the longer term, the researchers explain. To find out, they tracked the breastfeeding behavior and health of 168 mothers who became pregnant for the second time.

Study results

Analysis of the data showed that women who suffered from depression and anxiety 10 years after pregnancy were less likely to have breastfed and had shorter durations of breastfeeding over the course of their lives.

• Jede Woche ausschließlichen Stillens während des Lebens war mit einer um 2% verringerten Wahrscheinlichkeit verbunden, von Depressionen und Angstzuständen zu berichten. Dies berücksichtigt auch andere mögliche Einflussfaktoren, einschließlich des Alkoholkonsums.

Important information about the study

This study is an observational study, therefore no firm conclusions about cause and effect can be made; only connections can be established.

Still, the team wrote, "We suspect that successful breastfeeding may have a protective effect on postnatal depression and anxiety, which in turn reduces the risk of maternal depression and anxiety in the long term."

Relationship between breastfeeding and mental health

The researchers further explained that the likelihood that the association is multifactorial is high, as many socioeconomic and cultural factors influence both breastfeeding and mental health. Additionally, women with a history of depression and anxiety are at risk of being less successful at breastfeeding, which may strengthen the association.

They added: "We know that improving breastfeeding rates and duration can improve maternal health outcomes in terms of reduced diabetes and heart disease, and reduce the burden of disease at the population level, resulting in significant healthcare savings."

“The possibility that breastfeeding could further reduce the enormous burden of depression on individuals, families, health systems, and economies strengthens the argument that policymakers should continue to promote breastfeeding.”

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