Does infant feeding method impact on maternal mental health?
Fenglian Xu1, Zhuoyang Li, Colin Binns
11 National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia .
Summary
Breastfeeding is linked to fewer hospital admissions for postpartum mental health conditions. Non-breastfeeding mothers had a higher risk of hospitalization for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Mental Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Breastfeeding may reduce postpartum anxiety and depression.
- Limited data exists on breastfeeding's impact on hospital admissions for postpartum mental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between breastfeeding and hospital admissions for psychiatric and/or substance use disorders in mothers.
Main Methods:
- Population-based longitudinal cohort study in New South Wales, Australia.
- Linked data from mothers giving birth between 2007-2008.
- Follow-up for 1 year for hospital admissions with psychiatric/substance use diagnoses.
Main Results:
- 87.1% of mothers initiated breastfeeding at discharge.
- 2,940 mothers were hospitalized for psychiatric diagnoses within 12 months postpartum.
- Non-breastfeeding mothers had higher risks for schizophrenia (ARR=2.0), bipolar disorders (ARR=1.9), and substance use mental illness (ARR=1.8).
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk of hospital admission for specific postpartum mental disorders.
- Findings suggest breastfeeding may offer protection against schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and substance use-related mental illness.
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