Legal News

New research from scientists at the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London – together with a colleague at the University of Seville in Spain – has suggested that new mothers who breastfeed their babies are less likely to suffer from postpartum mental health issues such as post-natal depression.

The team studied women in the Bristol area of the UK in the 1990s, who gave birth to 14,000 babies between them.

The women were reviewed when their babies were aged two months, eight months, 21 months and 32 months.

The researchers found that the mothers who had planned to breastfeed their babies and did so had half the risk of suffering post-natal depression, compared with new mothers who had not planned to breastfeed and did not.

The beneficial effect of breastfeeding on the mood of new mothers was most pronounced when their babies were two months’ old – by eight months, the link between breastfeeding and post-natal depression was less pronounced, the team found.

Dr Maria Iacovou from the University of Cambridge's Department of Sociology said:

“Breastfeeding has well-established benefits to babies in terms of their physical health and cognitive development – our study shows that it also benefits the mental health of mothers.”

The findings of the research are published in the journal Maternal and Child Health.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors are the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on issues such as access to mental health care – including special placements such as mother and baby units – and detention under the Mental Health Act.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may also be able to advise the Nearest Relative or carer of a mental health patient on mental health law, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert help with mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.