Breastfeeding may lower a mother’s 10-year risk of depression and anxiety, study finds
9 January 2026
Breastfeeding may lower a mother’s risk of depression and anxiety for up to 10 years after pregnancy, suggest the findings of UCD-led research.
(opens in a new window)Published in the medical journal BMJ Open, the study was led by (opens in a new window)Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe from the UCD School of Medicine.
The mental health and breastfeeding behaviour of 168 second-time mothers were tracked. These mothers were originally part of the (opens in a new window)ROLO Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study, conducted by the UCD Perinatal Research Centre at the National Maternity Hospital.
The women were recruited from early pregnancy, and they and their children had check-ups at three and six months, as well as two, five and 10 years after birth.
At each check-up, the mothers completed a detailed health history questionnaire, which asked whether they had been diagnosed with, and treated for, depression and or anxiety.
They also provided information on potentially influential factors, including diet and physical activity levels.
The mothers answered questions on whether they had ever breastfed or expressed milk for one day or more, as well as the total number of weeks of exclusive breastfeeding, the total number of weeks of any breastfeeding, and cumulative periods of breastfeeding of less or more than 12 months.
Analysis of the data showed that women experiencing depression and anxiety at 10 years after pregnancy were less likely to have breastfed, and had shorter durations of any or exclusive breastfeeding over their lifetime.
Each week of lifetime exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 2% lower likelihood of reporting depression and anxiety.
The researchers said it is not clear if these lowered risks might persist beyond the 10-year postpartum period.
‘‘The finding that breastfeeding may reduce mothers’ later-life chance of depression and anxiety is very exciting, and is another great reason to support our mothers to breastfeed,’’ said Professor McAuliffe, who is Director of the UCD Perinatal Research Centre.
Though previous studies have found links between breastfeeding and postnatal depression (in the year after birth), the researchers noted there has so far been a lack of research into the effects of breastfeeding on mental health in later life.
They have called for policymakers to improve breastfeeding promotion and support, citing the possibility that breastfeeding could further reduce the “huge burden of depression on individuals, families, healthcare systems and economies”.
In addition, the paper’s authors argue that the findings should inform individualised breastfeeding support for women at greater risk of postnatal depression, such as women with a history of previous pregnancy loss.
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
