London - New mothers who don’t breastfeed are doubling their risk of suffering postnatal depression, researchers warn.
It is thought they miss out on mood-improving hormones released during the process.
Britain has one of the world’s worst breastfeeding records, with only one in four mothers attempting it. This is despite evidence breastmilk protects babies against illness and confers health advantages in later life.
Now, a study has shown the extent to which breastfeeding helps combat postnatal depression, which is more serious than the “baby blues”.
It found that the new mothers in least danger of developing PND are those who always planned to breastfeed and are able to do so. Those who intended to do it but changed their minds during pregnancy are at double the risk.
However, the group with the biggest chance of becoming depressed are women who planned to feed their babies using their own milk but could not manage it. The researchers said more psychological and practical support was needed for women who try to breastfeed but do not succeed.
Dr Maria Iacovou from Cambridge University’s Department of Sociology said: “Breastfeeding has well-established benefits to babies, in terms of their physical health and cognitive development. Our study shows it also benefits the mental health of mothers.
“Lots of mothers and babies take to breastfeeding pretty easily. But for many others, it doesn’t come naturally at all. For these mothers, having someone with the training, the skills and, perhaps most importantly, the time to help them get it right can make all the difference.”
Around one in seven mothers suffer depression within 14 weeks of giving birth. The study, published in the journal Maternal and Child Health, looked at the mothers of 14 000 babies in Bristol. They were questioned when their children were aged between two months and 32 months.
The researchers, from Cambridge, Queen Mary University of London and Spain’s University of Seville, found those who intended to breastfeed and went on to do so were the least likely to become depressed. For those who planned to but had a change of heart, the risk doubled. And women who wanted to breastfeed but could not were at four times the risk.
Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “If better support was available, fewer women would face the disappointment of not being able to breastfeed.” She added: “Women should not feel guilty about not breastfeeding and should be helped to feed their baby in a way which encourages mother/baby interaction.” -Daily Mail