Breastfeeding helps fight postnatal depression

New mothers who successfully breastfeed their babies are less likely to suffer postnatal depression, research suggests.

Expectant mothers who plan to breastfeed after they have given birth but are unable to are at the highest risk of developing the condition, experts found.

Around 13% of new mothers experience postpartum depression within 14 weeks of giving birth. As well as posing serious mental health problems for the mother, it can also have significant effects on the newborn’s cognitive, social and physical development, researchers said.