Breastfeeding and mental health: Nurturing both Mom and baby

Breastmilk is the best possible nutrition for the baby. But, not many are aware of the fact that breastfeeding is equally important for mothers as it is for newborns. We must acknowledge that breastfeeding does much more than just providing newborns with vital nutrients for the growth and development of newborn babies.

It profoundly impacts maternal mental health which contributes to a positive and emotionally fulfilling postpartum experience. Many reports have found that lactating mothers are associated with a lower chance of postpartum depression and postpartum haemorrhage.

Additionally, it is also discovered that breastfeeding reduces the risk of cancers- breast cancer and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, iron deficiency anaemia, and osteoporosis, among others.

Breastfeeding promotes a sense of emotional closeness and security, benefiting both mothers and their babies. The release of oxytocin during the act of breastfeeding, which is often referred to as the “love hormone”, plays a crucial role in this process.

Oxytocin enhances feelings of bonding and reduces stress and anxiety levels in mothers, creating a calming effect and positive state of mind that extends to their newborns. This nurturing connection significantly contributes to the mother’s mental well-being. Additionally, skin-to-skin contact helps build a close emotional connection and a better sense of bonding between lactating mothers and their babies.

For new mothers, breastfeeding can also act as a powerful stress-relief mechanism. Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming during the initial phase, but the act of nursing allows mothers to take a moment for themselves, promoting relaxation and self-soothing.

This time-out can be incredibly beneficial for new moms to manage the emotional challenges that come with motherhood as they gain confidence in this new transition. Breastfeeding improves baby’s brain growth due to its unique composition, providing essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, crucial for brain development.

Breast milk’s neuroprotective factors also help shield the baby’s brain from oxidative stress, promoting healthy brain growth and cognitive development.

Dr. Ravneet Joshi

Consultant – Lactation Specialist, Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road