Author: Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Author title: Health Psychologist, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, Researcher in Women’s Health
Description: Maternal depression, anxiety, and trauma negatively affect breastfeeding outcomes. Conversely, evidence suggests that breastfeeding—particularly exclusive breastfeeding—protects maternal mental health through physiological, behavioral, and psychosocial pathways. This review synthesizes findings from prospective cohort studies, epidemiological analyses, and physiological research. Key themes include the regulation of the stress/oxytocin system, sleep patterns in breastfeeding mothers, and trauma recovery.

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