Can Oxytocin in Breast Milk Help Mothers with Postnatal Depression?

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Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone” because of its role in bonding, affection, and stress relief. It plays a key role in childbirth and breastfeeding, helping mothers form strong emotional connections with their babies. This hormone is released during physical touch, such as hugging, breastfeeding, or skin-to-skin contact with an infant.

But what happens when a new mom is struggling with postnatal depression (PND)? Can oxytocin levels in breast milk impact a mother’s mood or a baby’s development? A recent study posted on Science Direct sheds light on these important questions.

Researchers conducted a study to see how oxytocin levels in breast milk are affected by postnatal depression. They wanted to know whether mothers with depression have lower oxytocin levels in their breast milk, if giving oxytocin through a nasal spray could increase the oxytocin levels in breast milk, and whether the effects of oxytocin on milk supply and bonding differ between depressed and non-depressed mothers.

The small study involved 62 breastfeeding mothers between the ages of 23 and 42, whose infants were between 3 and 9 months old. Each mother was screened for symptoms of postnatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Based on their scores, 26 mothers were classified as experiencing symptoms of PND, while 36 were classified as having low PND symptoms.

Breast milk samples were collected at baseline and after the administration of either an oxytocin nasal spray or a placebo. The nasal spray contained exogenous oxytocin, which mimics the body’s natural production of the hormone. The researchers measured the concentration of oxytocin in breast milk using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), a method used to detect and quantify hormones in biological samples.

To ensure accuracy, all breast milk samples were collected in a controlled laboratory setting. Mothers manually expressed milk into sterile tubes, which were then immediately frozen for later analysis. The study followed a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew whether a given participant had received oxytocin or the placebo during the testing sessions.

The study revealed several key findings. First, baseline oxytocin levels in breast milk were not directly linked to depression. In other words, a mother’s natural oxytocin levels in milk weren’t necessarily lower just because she had PND. Second, mothers who were given oxytocin through a nasal spray showed an increase in breast milk oxytocin, but this effect was weaker in mothers with postnatal depression. Lastly, depressed mothers may have a disrupted connection between central and peripheral oxytocin pathways, which could affect their ability to feel the emotional rewards of breastfeeding. These findings suggest that while oxytocin plays a role in breastfeeding and bonding, postnatal depression may interfere with how well it works in the body.

Many new mothers experience postnatal depression, which can make it difficult to bond with their babies or feel the emotional benefits of breastfeeding. Understanding the role of oxytocin in this process could help healthcare providers develop better support strategies.

Could Oxytocin Therapy Help?

Since the study showed that oxytocin nasal sprays increased breast milk oxytocin, some researchers believe this could be a potential treatment for mothers with postnatal depression. However, because the effects were weaker in mothers with depression, more research is needed to determine if a higher dose or a different method would be more effective.

Breastfeeding is beneficial, but it’s okay if you struggle. If you’re experiencing postnatal depression, don’t be too hard on yourself if breastfeeding feels challenging. Oxytocin is released through bonding activities, not just breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact, cuddling, and even making eye contact with your baby can help release oxytocin and strengthen your bond. Support is essential. If you’re struggling with mood changes after childbirth, seek support from a doctor, therapist, or lactation consultant. You are not alone, and help is available.

The study highlights the complex relationship between mental health and breastfeeding. While oxytocin plays an important role in bonding and lactation, postnatal depression may interfere with its full benefits. Future research could explore new ways to help mothers with PND—whether through oxytocin therapy, social support, or other interventions.

For now, the most important thing is for mothers to get the support they need and know that their bond with their baby is built in many ways—not just through breastfeeding.

This study was conducted by researchers from University College London, the University of York, Reichman University in Israel, and the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families. The lead authors include Kate Lindley Baron-Cohen, Pasco Fearon, Ruth Feldman, Paul Hardiman, Orna Zagoory-Sharon, Elizabeth Meins, and Peter Fonagy.