Breastfeeding Lowers Maternal Depression Risk

A small observational study, published in BMJ Open, suggests that breastfeeding may lower mothers' later-life risks of depression and anxiety for up to 10 years after pregnancy. The study tracked 168 second-time mothers from the ROLO Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study, conducted at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, for 10 years. Researchers from University College Dublin, including Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe, found that women experiencing depression and anxiety 10 years after pregnancy were less likely to have breastfed and had shorter durations of breastfeeding. Each week of lifetime exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 2% lower likelihood of reporting depression and anxiety. The study was supported by the New Zealand — Health Research Council, the International — European Commission, and the National Children s Research Centre. While acknowledging limitations such as the observational nature and small, non-diverse participant group, the researchers suggest a protective effect of breastfeeding on maternal mental health, which could lead to significant healthcare savings and reduced disease burden.