Breastfeeding’s Long-Term Mental Health Benefits for Mothers

New research suggests that breastfeeding may offer mothers more than just a bonding experience with their newborns—it could potentially safeguard their mental health for years to come. In the challenging postpartum period, when many women experience emotional fluctuations ranging from mild “baby blues” to more severe postpartum depression, this finding offers a ray of hope. According to a recent study published in BMJ Open, breastfeeding may reduce the likelihood of anxiety and depression in mothers for up to a decade after giving birth, adding another dimension to the already well-documented benefits of this natural practice.

The small but significant study followed 168 mothers during their second pregnancies, tracking their physical and mental health at various intervals: three and six months after birth, and then at two, five, and ten years postpartum. Researchers gathered detailed information about the women’s breastfeeding habits—whether they breastfed or expressed milk for more than a day, how many weeks they continued the practice, and their cumulative breastfeeding periods. The findings revealed a striking pattern: among the nearly three-quarters of women who reported breastfeeding, only 13% showed signs of anxiety or depression at the ten-year follow-up mark. Overall, about 21% of the participants reported experiencing depressive symptoms or anxious feelings at some point throughout the decade-long study period.

Perhaps most tellingly, the researchers discovered that women who experienced lower-than-normal moods ten years after pregnancy were less likely to have nursed their babies, or had done so for shorter periods compared to those who reported better mental health. Additional factors came into play as well—those reporting mood changes tended to be younger and less physically active, both recognized risk factors for depression and other mood disorders. While the researchers emphasize that this observational study cannot establish definitive cause-and-effect relationships, the data strongly suggests meaningful connections between breastfeeding duration and long-term maternal mental wellbeing, complementing the numerous other health benefits breastfeeding provides for both mother and child.

It’s crucial to acknowledge, however, that breastfeeding isn’t a viable option for all new mothers. Many women face significant barriers to nursing, including physical challenges, inadequate workplace accommodations or parental leave policies, high stress levels, or past trauma that makes breastfeeding difficult or impossible. The researchers behind this study recognize these realities and hope their work might inspire meaningful policy changes to support women who wish to breastfeed but encounter obstacles. As they stated, “The possibility that breastfeeding could further reduce the huge burden of depression on individuals, families, healthcare systems and economies only adds to the argument for policymakers to improve breastfeeding support.” This perspective shifts the conversation from placing responsibility solely on individual mothers to examining how society can better support their choices and wellbeing.

The implications of this research extend beyond individual health outcomes to broader social and economic considerations. Mental health struggles affect not just the person experiencing them but ripple outward to impact families, workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities. If breastfeeding can indeed help reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression among mothers—conditions that affect millions of women worldwide—the potential public health benefits are substantial. By investing in better breastfeeding support systems, from extended parental leave to workplace accommodations and increased access to lactation consultants, society might simultaneously support infant health and maternal mental wellbeing in both the short and long term.

Meanwhile, as scientific research continues to uncover the benefits of breastmilk, its perceived value has given rise to some unexpected commercial trends. The “liquid gold,” rich in vitamins A, B12, and D, as well as calcium, copper, iron, and zinc, has found a market among bodybuilders seeking nutritional advantages. Even celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian have capitalized on the trend, promoting supplements inspired by human breast milk. While these commercial applications may seem far removed from the fundamental mother-child nursing relationship, they underscore the growing recognition of breastmilk’s exceptional nutritional and health properties. As research continues to reveal both immediate and long-lasting benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies alike, supporting women’s ability to breastfeed when they choose to do so becomes not just a personal health matter but a significant public health priority.