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Breastfeeding May Cut Maternal Depression Risk by 20%

1/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A BMJ Open study found that breastfeeding may reduce mothers' risks of depression and anxiety for up to 10 years after pregnancy.
Exclusive breastfeeding links to a 2% decrease per week in the likelihood of depression and anxiety among 168 second-time mothers.
Limitations include a small, non-diverse sample and reliance on self-reported recall.
They call for improved breastfeeding support to enhance maternal mental health outcomes.

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Story summary

A BMJ Open study found that breastfeeding may reduce mothers' risks of depression and anxiety for up to 10 years after pregnancy.
Exclusive breastfeeding links to a 2% decrease per week in the likelihood of depression and anxiety among 168 second-time mothers.
Limitations include a small, non-diverse sample and reliance on self-reported recall.
They call for improved breastfeeding support to enhance maternal mental health outcomes.