Could epigenetics affect breastfeeding? New study reveals biological clues
Milk production, latch technique and whether or not a mother has the ‘baby blues’ are all thought to determine breastfeeding outcomes, but a new study suggests that something biological might be at play – epigenetics.
New research reveals women with certain chemical changes in the oxytocin receptor gene – a gene linked to milk release and bonding – were more likely to maintain breastfeeding for six months.
Surprisingly, the same research showed that a lifetime history of depression did not affect chemical changes in the oxytocin receptor – suggesting that epigenetics might not explain why women with depression find it hard to breastfeed.
The study, Maternal Depression, Epigenetics and Breastfeeding, is the first to consider whether there might be a biological reason for differing breastfeeding experiences and the first to look at the science in humans, following similar studies on cows in the dairy industry.
The results could get scientists and health practitioners one step closer to personalised breastfeeding interventions based on a mother’s epigenetic profile, potentially changing the outlook for millions of new and expectant mothers.
Using data of over 3,600 mothers from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study, researchers explored whether subtle changes in maternal DNA might influence breastfeeding outcomes. They focused on the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), which plays a key role in milk release and bonding.
Higher levels of DNA methylation – a chemical modification that can affect how genes work – at a specific site on this gene were linked to a greater likelihood of maintaining breastfeeding for six months.
The findings open up exciting possibilities for understanding why breastfeeding experiences vary so widely among women and suggest that depression isn’t the whole story when it comes to breastfeeding problems.
Lead author Dr. Elizabeth Braithwaite, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “This research highlights the intriguing possibility that biology might impact breastfeeding experiences, whether or not mothers have experienced depression.
“Our results suggest that epigenetic factors, alongside psychological and social ones, may influence breastfeeding success – that’s something that’s never previously been explored.
“It suggests that some women may have a biological advantage when it comes to breastfeeding success, depending on their epigenetics. This knowledge could help better support women who want to breastfeed but struggle, especially those at risk of postnatal depression.”
This latest Manchester Met research follows the largest ever study on the impact of breastfeeding difficulties on women’s mental health, which revealed widespread reports of mothers feeling ‘guilty’ and ‘a failure’ due to breastfeeding challenges.
Dr Braithwaite is planning further studies exploring other genes involved in breastfeeding, and how they influence maintenance and success. Read the full latest paper published in Springer Nature here.
