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LONDON – A new study from researchers at University College London (UCL) has revealed that the oxytocin system, crucial for milk release and mother-infant bonding, may be affected in mothers experiencing postnatal depression during breastfeeding. The research, published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, sheds light on the complex interplay between maternal mood and the oxytocin pathway.
Oxytocin, a hormone vital for childbirth and breastfeeding, triggers the “let-down” reflex, releasing breast milk, and fosters social bonding, particularly between mother and infant. The hormone’s release, stimulated by skin-to-skin contact, also interacts with brain regions to reduce stress and enhance reward, promoting mother-infant attachment and infant development.
Mothers with postnatal depression often report increased stress during breastfeeding and tend to wean earlier. While social factors related to depression are known contributors, the study investigated whether the oxytocin system itself is also impacted.
The study involved 62 new mothers, aged 23 to 44, with infants aged three to nine months. Participants received a nasal spray containing either oxytocin or a placebo before breastfeeding. Breast milk samples were collected and analyzed for oxytocin levels.
Researchers found that while baseline oxytocin levels in breast milk were not affected by maternal mood, the response to the oxytocin nasal spray differed significantly. In mothers without postnatal depression, the spray increased oxytocin levels in breast milk. However, this effect was reduced in mothers experiencing postnatal depression.
“Our findings indicate that the oxytocin system is affected by postnatal depression in new mothers in the context of breastfeeding,” said lead author Dr. Kate Lindley Baron-Cohen (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences). “Since higher levels of oxytocin in mothers are associated with positive outcomes in a child’s social development and in their mental health, these results point to a possible pathway through which infants of mothers experiencing postnatal depression may be at greater risk of later mental health vulnerabilities.”
The study suggests that the oxytocin system’s function may be altered in mothers with postnatal depression, potentially impacting breastfeeding and mother-infant bonding. The findings open new avenues for research into how oxytocin is affected in postnatal depression and the development of effective support for breastfeeding mothers facing these challenges.
The researchers emphasize that further investigation is needed to explore the clinical implications of these findings and to determine the most effective interventions to support breastfeeding mothers with postnatal depression.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided research information. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of postnatal depression or have concerns about breastfeeding, please consult with a healthcare professional.
