EU Study: Moms Can Pass Stress To Their Child Through Breast Milk

Did you know that stress can be passed from parent to child in real time? Research shows that a mother’s stress can be passed to her infant through her breast milk during the postpartum period, impacting the baby’s development.

Insights from the Amsterdam Mother Milk Cohort Study

The Amsterdam Mother Milk Cohort conducted a study to understand how stress affects human milk. The study involved collecting breast milk samples from nursing mothers during the first three weeks postpartum, and mothers were asked about their perceived stress levels during the said period.

According to the study, breast milk is an important source of fatty acids that are crucial for children’s neuro-development. However, the results showed that maternal stress during the first month postpartum was associated with lower levels of fatty acid in breast milk. This suggests that chronic stress indeed changes the nutritional quality of breast milk, potentially transmitting stress signals to the infant.

The study included mothers who gave birth at full term (37 weeks onwards) and were breastfeeding their children. They were divided into two groups: the high-stress group and the control group. The high-stress group included mothers whose infants required hospitalization for a minimum of two days. While the control group included mothers who had healthy deliveries without complications.

Breast milk samples were collected three times a day on postpartum days 10, 17, and 24. To quantify stress levels, researchers used multiple validated questionnaires and measured biological markers of stress, such as cortisol level in hair hair, saliva, and breast milk. These measures provided a thorough analysis of how stress is passed through breast milk.

The results were revealing: mothers in the high-stress group had significantly lower levels of fatty acids in their breast milk compared to the control group. This reduction in fatty acids is crucial because they play an integral role in the development of the infant’s brain and nervous system. Thus, maternal stress not only affects the mother but also has direct implications for the newborn’s health and development.

What this means for infant development

The study underscores that maternal stress in the postpartum period has broader consequences beyond the mother’s well-being. The lower levels of fatty acids in breast milk due to maternal stress could potentially impact the infant’s neurodevelopment. Fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are vital for the growth and function of the brain and retina. Insufficient levels of these nutrients during critical development windows can have long-term effects on cognitive and visual functions.

This research suggests a need for further investigation into how the changes in breast milk composition due to stress impact the child’s neurodevelopmental outcomes. Understanding this connection can help in coming up with interventions to support stressed mothers, ensuring that their infants receive the best possible nutritional start.

Managing stress during the postpartum period

Given the impact of stress on breast milk composition, managing stress during the postpartum period becomes crucial for both mother and child. Here are some practical tips for managing stress:

1. Ask for help.

Although mothers naturally want to do everything for their children, from breastfeeding to changing their diapers to bathing them, the first month of the postpartum period is also a healing period for moms. The mom’s body needs to recover from carrying a child and giving birth. We can’t do it all, and asking for help is crucial to manage and lessen the stress. Seek help from one’s partner, family, or friends to alleviate the burden. Tasks like feeding, diaper changes, and household chores can be shared.

Professionals such as a doula and a night nurse can also provide valuable support. They can assist with baby care and household tasks, giving the mother more time to rest and recover during the first few months.

2. Know and build your village.

The saying, “It takes a village to raise a child” holds particularly true in the postpartum period. During the first month, you might have child-care and postpartum questions that you need answers to, such as “Is my child sleeping well?” or “Is this the right way to breastfeed?” Identifying and knowing your village, whether physical such as trusted family members or mom friends, or online such as online forums and websites, will help you find answers to your questions, and tame anxieties and worries.

Looking for an online village of parents? Smart Parenting Village is a platform where parents can share experiences, ask questions, and find solidarity with others going through similar challenges.

3. Consult healthcare professionals.

If everything still feels odd and off, or if feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression become overwhelming, it’s okay to seek professional help. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common among new mothers, yet many hesitate to seek help. Healthcare providers can offer support through counseling, medication, or referrals to specialists in mental health.

Organizations like Beacon specialize in maternal mental health and provide resources and support for conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety.

Future research and considerations

While the Amsterdam Mother Milk Cohort study provides valuable insights, it should be noted that it also opens opportunities for future research. Further studies can include the investigation of the direct impact of altered fatty acid levels in breast milk on the infant’s neurodevelopmental trajectory. And long-term studies could explore how early nutritional changes possibly affect cognitive development, behavior, and learning abilities in later childhood.

Furthermore, exploring possible interventions to mitigate the effects of maternal stress on breast milk could be beneficial. Strategies to support stress reduction in new mothers, such as mindful practices, counseling, and social support systems, could be evaluated for their effectiveness in preserving breastmilk quality and ensuring optimal infant health outcomes.

References: National Geographic, Instagram / National Geographic, National Library of Medicine

Read here to learn how other people can support breastfeeding mothers.