UCD study: Breastfeeding may lower a mother’s 10-year risk of depression and anxiety

Findings from a study published in the BMJ Open suggest that women who breastfed, particularly for longer durations, were less likely to experience depression and anxiety 10 years postpartum. The University College Dublin (UCD)-led research investigated the breastfeeding behaviours of 168 second-time mothers who were originally part of the ROLO Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study – a randomised controlled trial of low glycaemic diet in pregnancy conducted by the UCD Perinatal Research Centre at the National Maternity Hospital.

The women were enrolled during early pregnancy and both they, and their children, attended follow-up assessments at three and six months, and again at two, five-, and 10-years post-partum. At each visit, the mothers completed a health history questionnaire that asked whether they had been diagnosed with and treated for depression and/or anxiety. They also provided information about diet, lifestyle, and other variables.

The mothers reported whether they had ever breastfed or expressed milk for at least one day. They also provided details on the total duration of exclusive breastfeeding, the overall length of any breastfeeding, and the cumulative time spent breastfeeding, categorised as less than or more than 12 months.

Data analysis revealed that women experiencing depression and anxiety at 10 years post pregnancy were less likely to have breastfed. Each week of lifetime exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 2 per cent lower likelihood of depression and anxiety. Whether these reduced risks persist beyond the 10-year postpartum period remains unknown, according to the researchers.

Although earlier research has identified associations between breastfeeding and postnatal depression within the first year after birth, the researchers pointed out that little attention has been given to its potential impact on mental health later in life.

They urged policymakers to strengthen breastfeeding promotion and support, suggesting that it may help further ease the substantial burden depression places on individuals, families, healthcare systems, and economies. The authors also argued that their findings should guide more tailored breastfeeding support for women at higher risk of postnatal depression, including those with a history of pregnancy loss.

The study was led by Prof Fionnuala McAuliffe, Director of the UCD Perinatal Research Centre. Commenting, she said: ‘‘The finding that breastfeeding may reduce mothers’ later-life chance of depression and anxiety is very exciting, and is another great reason to support our mothers to breastfeed.’’

Authors