Oxytocin, breastfeeding, and postpartum depression: A review of the literature

Abstract

More than 25% of perinatal women are affected by depressive symptoms that can lead to serious maternal, fetal and child consequences. There is growing evidence that biomarkers can predict postpartum depression, one of which, oxytocin, is one of the most studied hormones. This review focused on associations between oxytocin, breastfeeding and postpartum depression. Oxytocin plays an important role in breastfeeding and also has psychological effects, e.g., reducing stress and promoting social attachment. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxytocin level can predict postpartum depression in various onset following childbirth. As exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to have a normalizing effect on oxytocin level, breastfeeding might be a factor in protecting against postpartum depression. Integrated studies of oxytocin level, maternal behavior, breastfeeding and psychosocial factors, however, have been rare.