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Postpartum depression is a prevalent consequence of childbirth experienced by many women. There has been evidence linking dairy intake during pregnancy with a reduction in postpartum depression symptoms. However, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the effects of postpartum dairy consumption on postpartum depression.

To examine whether dairy products intake and calcium in dairy is associated with postpartum depression.

A pilot study was conducted (n = 49 postpartum women). A food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate the participants’ consumption of calcium and dairy products during pregnancy, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to screen for postpartum depression symptoms.

Of 49 participants, 26 (53%) were at risk for postpartum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale ⩾ 12). Consuming >1 serving …