“Breastfeeding and Postnatal Depression: Impact on Oxytocin System Uncovered”
Study finds that the oxytocin system may be affected during breastfeeding in mothers experiencing postnatal depression, impacting bonding with baby.
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A recent study conducted by researchers at UCL has shed light on the impact of postnatal depression on the oxytocin system in breastfeeding mothers. Oxytocin, a hormone crucial in childbirth and breastfeeding, helps strengthen the bond between mother and baby.
The study, published in Psychoneuroendocrinology, explored how maternal mood and the oxytocin pathway are linked during breastfeeding. The researchers found that oxytocin levels in breast milk were not influenced by the mothers’ mood initially. However, when given a nasal spray containing oxytocin, mothers without postnatal depression showed an increase in oxytocin levels in their breast milk. This effect was reduced in mothers experiencing postnatal depression.
Dr. Kate Lindley Baron-Cohen, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding how postnatal depression affects the oxytocin system in breastfeeding mothers. Higher levels of oxytocin in mothers have been associated with positive outcomes in a child’s social development and mental health.
Postnatal depression affects more than one in ten women in the UK within a year of giving birth. Symptoms include persistent low mood, irritability, and trouble sleeping. The study highlights the need for further research to explore effective treatments to support mothers experiencing postnatal depression who want to breastfeed.
These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between postnatal depression, oxytocin, and breastfeeding. By addressing these issues, healthcare providers can better support mothers and promote positive outcomes for both mother and baby.
Published on: 2025-03-14 17:42:00 | Author:
