Breastfeeding isn’t just good for babies—it may significantly lower a new mom’s risk of anxiety and depression for up to a decade, according to research published last week.
A Decade of Calm: How Breastfeeding Impacts Maternal Mental Health
New research suggests a strong link between breastfeeding duration and reduced risk of anxiety and depression in mothers up to 10 years after childbirth.
- A study of 168 mothers found that those who breastfed were less likely to experience anxiety or depression 10 years postpartum.
- Women who didn’t breastfeed, or breastfed for shorter periods, reported more frequent mood changes.
- Researchers emphasize the need for policies that support breastfeeding mothers.
- The study highlights the potential for breastfeeding to reduce the burden of depression on individuals and healthcare systems.
For new mothers, the postpartum period is often a whirlwind of exhaustion and adjustment. But a growing body of evidence suggests that one specific task—breastfeeding—could offer a surprising benefit: a reduced risk of long-term anxiety and depression.
The Study Details
Published last week in the journal BMJ Open, the study followed 168 mothers during their second pregnancies. Researchers tracked their physical and mental health with check-ups at three and six months postpartum, and again at two, five, and 10 years after birth.
The study found that among the 73 percent of women who reported breastfeeding, only 13 percent showed signs of anxiety or depression at the 10-year mark. Overall, 21 percent of participants experienced depressive symptoms or anxious feelings at some point during the study period.
Why Breastfeeding May Help
Women who reported experiencing lower moods a decade after giving birth were less likely to have breastfed, or had done so for a shorter duration. Researchers also noted that those with mood changes tended to be younger and less physically active—both established risk factors for depression and other mood disorders.
