Moms, get pumped for this news.
Childbirth brings a plethora of exhausting new responsibilities — but some can affect your health in a good way.
New research finds that one task in particular may reduce the likelihood that new moms will experience anxiety and depression later in life.
Many women go through ups and downs after giving birth, from the “baby blues” to the more severe postpartum depression.
While there are several treatments available, the new study found that breastfeeding can lower the risks of mental health issues for up to 10 years after pregnancy.
A small study published last week in the journal BMJ Open highlighted the breastfeeding behavior and health of 168 mothers during their second pregnancies.
The women underwent check-ups at three and six months and two, five and 10 years after birth.
The mothers were asked about their physical and mental health, as well as whether they had breastfed or expressed milk for more than one day, how many weeks they breastfed and their cumulative periods of breastfeeding.
Among the nearly three-quarters of women stating they had breastfed, only 13% reported signs of anxiety or depression at the 10-year follow-up.
About 21% reported depressive symptoms or anxious feelings at some point throughout the years.
The researchers discovered that women experiencing lower-than-normal moods 10 years after pregnancy were less likely to have nursed or they engaged in the practice for shorter periods.
Those who reported mood changes were younger and less physically active — both are risk factors for depression and other mood disorders.
While only an observational study (meaning no firm conclusions can be drawn from the data), researchers suggest there are still mental health benefits to breastfeeding, as well as numerous health perks for mom and baby.
Still, many women are unable to breastfeed for a number of reasons, including physical issues, inadequate workplace/parental leave policies, stress or past trauma.
The researchers hope their work inspires policy change.
“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,” they said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the business of breastmilk has been booming, with mamas selling their “liquid gold” to bodybuilders looking for gains from vitamins A, B12 and D, as well as calcium, copper, iron and zinc.
Even celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, 46, are getting in on the colostrum craze by hawking supplements inspired by human breast milk.
