Researchers already knew breastfeeding helps prevent postpartum depression right after birth. But no one had checked if those mental health benefits lasted years later. This study tracked 168 mothers who were already in their second pregnancy when first studied. They collected detailed breastfeeding histories (how long, exclusive or mixed feeding) and followed up 10 years later to assess depression and anxiety using standard health questionnaires.
After adjusting for factors like alcohol use, age, and socioeconomic status, clear patterns emerged. Moms who reported depression or anxiety at the 10-year mark were less likely to have breastfed and breastfed for shorter times overall. Strikingly, each additional week of exclusive breastfeeding linked to a 2% lower chance of depression/anxiety a decade later.
The study couldn't prove breastfeeding causes better long-term mental health—other factors like culture, support systems, and prior mental health history play roles too. Moms with depression history often struggle more with breastfeeding, creating a two-way relationship. But researchers suspect breastfeeding's protective effects are real: it balances stress hormones, boosts oxytocin (the "love hormone"), and creates bonding that buffers against later mental health struggles.
Key findings breakdown:
• Any breastfeeding = lower depression risk
• Exclusive breastfeeding = strongest protection
• 12+ months total breastfeeding = best long-term outcomes
• Each week exclusive = 2% risk reduction
This adds urgency to breastfeeding support. Beyond diabetes and heart disease prevention, mental health benefits could save healthcare systems billions while helping families thrive. Researchers call for policies making breastfeeding easier—paid maternity leave, workplace pumps, trained support. Pregnancy and postpartum offer a unique window to build lifelong resilience, one feeding at a time.
REFERENCE: McNestry, C., et al. (2026). Breastfeeding and later depression and anxiety in mothers in Ireland: a 10-year prospective observational study. BMJ Open. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-097323. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/16/1/e097323
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