*Experts found women鈥檚 mental health is positively affected the longer they breastfeed their babies

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Researchers from the Florida Atlantic University, in the United States, in a fresh study suggested that women who breastfeed may have a better chance of maintaining good mental health.

According to their findings, breastfeeding may be associated with a lower risk of postpartum depression.

The team of researchers discovered that women were less likely to experience postpartum-related symptoms the longer they breastfed.

Christine Toledo, Ph.D, one of the researchers, said: 鈥淲omen suffering from postpartum depression, which occurs within four weeks and up to 12 months after childbirth, endure feelings of sadness, anxiety, and extreme fatigue that makes it difficult for them to function.

鈥淲omen with postpartum depression who are not treated also may have negative outcomes, including difficulty bonding with and caring for their children, thoughts of harming themselves or their infants, and are also at an increased risk of substance misuse.鈥�

In regard to the mental health benefits associated with breastfeeding for the study, the experts analysed data from nearly 30,000 women enrolled in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) study.

The women answered questions about their breastfeeding status, how long they breastfed, and their mental health.

The researchers also accounted for things like smoking history, age, education, marital status, and race.

Ultimately, the team found a link between breastfeeding and postpartum depression risk. They learned that women breastfeeding at the time of the study had a lower risk of developing postpartum depression.

The study also showed that the duration of breastfeeding can play a role in women鈥檚 mental health after giving birth.

Women had a lower risk of developing postpartum depression the longer they were breastfeeding.

The researchers say these findings are important because of the significant toll that postpartum depression can have on women鈥檚 physical and mental health long-term.

Not only are women at an increased risk of depression unrelated to childbirth for years to come, but they are also at a higher risk of developing serious health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Because of this, the researchers hope these findings can be put to use for pregnant women, especially those who may be at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression.

Researcher Safiya George, Ph.D, also stated: 鈥淔indings from this important study suggest that breastfeeding is a cost efficient and healthy behavior that can decrease a woman鈥檚 risk for postpartum depression.

鈥淣urses in particular play an important role in educating and promoting both the maternal health benefits of breastfeeding and infant benefits such as providing necessary nutrients and protecting them against allergies, diseases, and infections.鈥�