Associations apparent for any, exclusive, and cumulative (at least 1 year) breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may lower mothers’ later life risks of depression and anxiety for up to 10 years after pregnancy, suggest the findings of a small observational study, published in the open access journal BMJ Open.

The observed associations were apparent for any, exclusive, and cumulative (at least 12 months) breastfeeding, the study shows.

Breastfeeding is associated with lower risks of postnatal depression and anxiety, but it’s not clear if these lowered risks might persist in the longer term, say the researchers.

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