Breastfeeding a newborn child halves the risk of post-natal depression, according to a new study by Maternal and Child Health.
The study observed 14,000 new mothers who breastfed their child right after birth, chose not to breastfeed, and those who wanted to breastfeed but couldn't.
After the birth of a child, one in 10 women will suffer from depression, reports BBC.
However, those who breastfed their child were 50 percent less likely to develop post-natal depression than those who didn't breastfeed.
The largest concern found in the study showed that the risk of post-natal depression doubled in mothers who wanted to breastfeed, but were unable to.
"Breastfeeding can help to relax mothers and reduce stress, so it might play a part in preventing mental health issues developing," Dr Maria Iacovou, one of the researchers, tells BBC.
