Khaberni - Childbirth brings numerous new and exhausting responsibilities, but some of these may positively affect maternal health, as indicated by a recent study that found one such responsibility can reduce the likelihood of new mothers developing anxiety and depression later in their lives.
Many women experience mood swings after childbirth, ranging from mild postpartum depression to severe postpartum depression.
Despite the availability of many treatments, the new study found that breastfeeding reduces the risks of mental health problems for the mother for up to 10 years after pregnancy, according to "New York Post".
In the study, researchers followed breastfeeding and the health of 168 mothers during their second pregnancies.
The women underwent medical examinations after 3 and 6 months, and at 2, 5, and 10 years after childbirth.
Role of breastfeeding
The mothers were asked about their physical and mental health, in addition to whether they had breastfed their children naturally or pumped milk for more than one day, the number of weeks of natural breastfeeding, and the total periods of natural breastfeeding.
Among nearly three-quarters of the women who reported they had breastfed their children naturally, only 13% reported signs of anxiety or depression during the 10-year follow-up period.
About 21% reported depressive symptoms or feelings of anxiety at some point during those years.
Researchers noted the mental health benefits of natural breastfeeding, in addition to the many health benefits for the mother and child.
