LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for September 2002

"Breastfeeding is associated with reduced perceived stress and negative mood in mothers" by Elizabeth Sibolboro Mezzacappa and Edward S. Katkin, Health Psychology 2002-2;21(2):187-93

In this research, two experiments were conducted: a between-subjects comparison of stress response in breastfeeding vs. bottle-feeding women and a within-subjects comparison of mood effects of the acts of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding in the same women. A total of 55 women were examined, 27 bottle-feeding mothers and 28 breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding was associated with a decrease in negative mood and reported significantly less stress. Mood became significantly less positive after bottle-feeding than after breastfeeding. This effect could be mediated by the hormone oxytocin, which is released in the bloodstream during breastfeeding. Oxytocin levels are inversely related to negative moods and emotions.

This article was categorized using the keywords: Psychology/Mother, Comparisons, Hormones: Oxytocin, Advantages, Formula Concerns