A research study conducted by Soochow University and published in the journal Affective Disorders has revealed a noteworthy advantage of motherhood for women. The findings indicate that having children can serve as a protective factor against significant mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression. Furthermore, the study identified the ideal number of children that maximizes these benefits, suggesting that having two children may represent an optimal balance for enhancing the mother's mental well-being.

Risk reduction by 30%

The research was conducted during a period marked by an uneven trend concerning childbirth and mental health, characterized by declining birth rates alongside an increase in mental health challenges. The researchers examined data from more than 55,700 women, who provided insights into their number of children and their mental health status.

After considering various other factors that could affect mental health, including age, lifestyle, and reproductive health, the researchers discovered that women who had given birth experienced a significant 30% reduction in the risk of developing bipolar disorder and major depression when compared to those who had not given birth.

Protective benefits of 2 children

The research additionally uncovered a 'non-linear pattern.' The results indicated that the risk of mental health issues significantly diminished as the number of children rose to two. However, beyond the second child, the protective effects leveled off, providing no additional benefits. The transition from having one child to two was associated with a notable reduction in mental health problems.

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