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There's a complex and bidirectional link between postpartum depression and breastfeeding.

Negative experiences such as unmet breastfeeding expectations can increase risk of maternal depression.

External barriers in early parenthood often limit breastfeeding, not individual choice.

Access to holistic breastfeeding support is needed to reduce barriers and facilitate breastfeeding intentions.

Approximately 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression (PPD), making it one of the most common complications of childbirth. As the maternal health field moves toward promoting “breast is best,” there has also been a growing interest in attempting to find connections between breastfeeding and maternal mental health. Findings suggest breastfeeding may be associated with lower rates of PPD; however, this relationship is complex and bidirectional. This post will review recent research on the nuances of perinatal mental health and infant feeding.

A 2026 study explored the relationship between breastfeeding, infant feeding intentions, and PPD during the early postpartum period with a sample of 2,022 low-income new mothers. Findings demonstrated that mothers who exclusively breastfed were significantly less........

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