What if a decision made in the first few weeks after childbirth might discreetly safeguard a woman's mental health for the next decade? While breastfeeding has long been recommended as essential for a baby's immunity and growth, new research reveals it may also provide a long-term benefit to the mother, lowering the risk of sadness and anxiety up to ten years later. 

This developing evidence stems from an observational study published in the open-access journal BMJ Open that followed the long-term health of mothers following pregnancy. The findings expand the breastfeeding discussion by presenting it not only as childcare but also as a kind of long-term self-care for women.

The study monitored 168 second-time mums who were part of Ireland's ROLO Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study. The women were recruited during early pregnancy and followed up at regular intervals—three and six months and two, five, and ten years following childbirth. By the last follow-up, the moms' average age was 42. 

At each stage, the ladies indicated whether they had been diagnosed or treated for depression or anxiety. They also submitted specific breastfeeding information, such as whether they had ever nursed or expressed milk, how long they breastfed exclusively, and the total amount of time they had breastfed throughout their lives. 

Approximately 73% of the women reported nursing at some stage. Exclusive breastfeeding lasted an average of five and a half weeks, whereas any type of breastfeeding lasted approximately 30 weeks. Moreover, over one-third had been breastfeeding for at least a year. 

By the 10-year mark, 13% of the women reported sadness or anxiety, with 21% experiencing these illnesses at some point throughout the research period. Crucially, those who experienced depression or anxiety a decade later were less likely to breastfeed and did so for shorter durations of time. 

After controlling for variables like physical activity and alcohol consumption, the researchers discovered a remarkable pattern: each additional week of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 2% decreased risk of sadness and anxiety later in life. In layman's words, eight weeks of exclusive breastfeeding was related to around 16 per cent increased protection. 

Scientists believe the benefit stems from hormones produced during nursing, which have demonstrated short-term stress reduction and mood enhancement. The current understanding is that these benefits may persist even after nursing is discontinued. Instead, they appear to function as a "sleeping shield", supporting a child's mental health years after they have outgrown infancy. 

Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe, the study's corresponding author and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University College Dublin, stated, "The finding that breastfeeding may reduce mothers' later-life chances of depression and anxiety is very exciting and is another great reason to support our mothers to breastfeed." 

The findings are especially relevant for India, where breastfeeding practices have made mixed progress. Data from the National Family Health Survey-5 show that while exclusive breastfeeding rates have increased recently, more than half of infants are still not exclusively breastfed for the recommended six months. 

Although most deliveries are now taking place in health facilities, early initiation—within one hour of birth—is still stagnated at around 40-42%. Experts identify growing caesarean section rates, inflexible hospital protocols, and a lack of rapid lactation support as major impediments. 

The confusion in workplace policies exacerbates the situation even further. According to studies, working and urban mums are much less likely to achieve their exclusive breastfeeding goals due to short maternity leave, a lack of lactation facilities, and unsupportive work cultures. If breastfeeding provides up to a decade of mental health benefits, these gaps are more than just a lifestyle choice; they are a public health hazard. 

Importantly, the researchers emphasise that this is an observational study. This study shows a correlation but does not guarantee causation. Women who are unable to breastfeed will not necessarily experience depression. Social, cultural, and economic issues all are impacting nursing success and mental health, and women who have already experienced anxiety or depression may encounter extra obstacles. 

However, the authors contend that the ramifications are difficult to ignore. They point out that breastfeeding already reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease in women, resulting in long-term healthcare savings. "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 further promote breastfeeding," the authors of the paper stated. 

As India builds milk banks, promotes baby-friendly facilities, and tightens laws on breast milk replacements, new evidence reveals a bigger message: promoting breastfeeding is for more than just newborns. It could be an investment in mums' mental health that yields long-term benefits.

Emerging evidence is reshaping how breastfeeding is understood—not only as early nutrition for infants, but as a long-term health investment for mothers. While India’s breastfeeding policies have traditionally centred on child survival, longitudinal data now suggest maternal mental health deserves equal attention. Strengthening early lactation support, expanding maternity protections, and embedding breastfeeding counselling within routine maternal care could deliver benefits that extend years beyond childbirth. Although the findings show association rather than causation, they point to a missed public health opportunity: supporting breastfeeding may help reduce the long-term burden of depression and anxiety among women, long after infancy has passed.

Updated: January 13, 2026