Breastfeeding Protects Mothers’ Mental Health
- Breastfeeding appears to protect women's mental health for several years after childbirth,according to a recent observational study conducted by Irish researchers.
- Researchers from three Dublin institutions studied 168 women who were mothers for the second time.
- "There are hormones released during breastfeeding, primarily oxytocin and prolactin," explained Karine Huppé, a clinical nurse and lactation consultant at the Montreal Children's Hospital.
Breastfeeding Linked to Long-Term Mental Health Benefits for Mothers
Breastfeeding appears to protect women’s mental health for several years after childbirth,according to a recent observational study conducted by Irish researchers. The findings suggest a correlation between the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and a reduced risk of depression and anxiety.
Researchers from three Dublin institutions studied 168 women who were mothers for the second time. they found that each week of exclusive breastfeeding reduced the risk of depression or anxiety by 2%, even after accounting for factors like alcohol consumption. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in psychiatry on January 17, 2026. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry
“There are hormones released during breastfeeding, primarily oxytocin and prolactin,” explained Karine Huppé, a clinical nurse and lactation consultant at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. “Oxytocin is also called the ‘well-being hormone.’ It promotes sleep in the mother, reduces her stress, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. We understand that inflammation is a meaningful issue in mental health.”
Huppé further explained that significant inflammation can increase the risk of depression. “Therefore, breastfeeding may modulate this inflammatory response to protect the mother not only from short-term postpartum depression but also for a longer period.”
The researchers acknowledge the study’s limitations, including its observational nature and the relatively small sample size. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. However,the results add to a growing body of evidence supporting the mental health benefits of breastfeeding.
“This study reinforces the importance of supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journey,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a maternal health specialist at the University of California, San francisco. ”While breastfeeding isn’t a guaranteed solution for preventing postpartum mental health issues, it appears to offer a protective effect that extends beyond the immediate postpartum period.”