Breastfeeding and EFAs help new moms fight depression, according to a University of New Hampshire researcher.
"Depression in new mothers affects up to 20% of postpartum women. Depressed mothers are also more likely to stop breastfeeding with negative health effects for [both mother and child]," says Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, a health psychologist and lactation consultant.
She says physical and psychological stressors increase inflammation, which is one of the top contributors to depression. Most current treatments for depression, including the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, are anti-inflammatory. New mothers experience an increase in inflammation because of increased levels of cytokines.
"Breastfeeding protects maternal mood by lowering stress. When stress levels are lower, the mother’s inflammatory response system will not be activated, thereby lowering her risk of depression," says Kendall-Tackett. "However positive these results, I must issue one caveat: they only apply when breastfeeding is going well." She urges intervening quickly when breastfeeding difficulties arise.
Source: University of New Hampshire, May 2, 2007
