Association between maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding and postpartum depression symptoms

Abstract

Background Due to the multiple health benefits of breastfeeding, it is essential to identify factors that may negatively interfere with this healthy practice. Among such factors are postpartum depression (PPD) and maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding and symptoms of PPD in the first month after childbirth. Methods This cross-sectional study nested in a cohort study was conducted in Porto Alegre, Brazil, with 287 puerperal women selected at two maternity hospitals, one public and one private. Women were interviewed at their homes the week after the infant completed 30 days of life. A structured questionnaire was applied, as well as instruments to evaluate maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding (Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale) and to screen for PPD (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). The association between higher satisfaction with breastfeeding (outcome) and negative PPD screening test was assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance, adjusting for specific covariables. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. Results The prevalence of increased satisfaction with breastfeeding (defined as women with scores above the median) was 47% higher among women who screened negative for PPD when compared to those with a positive result (aPR 1.47; 95%CI 1.01–2.16). This result was adjusted for maternal age and skin color, cohabitation with the infant’s father, planned pregnancy, type of delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, and occurrence of breastfeeding problems. Conclusions The findings of this study showed an association between higher maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding and absence of PPD symptoms, reinforcing the importance of caring for the mental health of pregnant and puerperal women and paying attention to their satisfaction with breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Self-efficacy and Related Socio-demographic, Perinatal and Psychological Factors: a Cross-sectional Study Among Postpartum Greek Women

“…As for the relation between postnatal depression and self-efficacy in breastfeeding, the current study found that the EPDS and BSES-SF scores were inversely correlated, which means that reducing the levels of postnatal depression increases breastfeeding self-efficacy. In this line, previous studies demonstrated that mothers with a higher level of postpartum depression had lower self-efficacy in breastfeeding ( 20 , 23 , 26 , 33 , 35 , 36 ). This link of depression with breastfeeding confidence could be explained by changes in neuroendocrine function.…”

Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Their Selected Psychological Predictors in Breast-, Mixed and Formula-Feeding Mothers

“…Moreover, the recent findings by Avilla et al (19) indicate a positive association between maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding and PPD symptoms. In the current study, maternal satisfaction in general meaning was measured.…”

“…Another factor was maternal positive breastfeeding attitude associated with lower depressive symptoms at 6 months postpartum (18). Yet another factor was the satisfaction with breastfeeding -it was higher in women without PPD symptoms (19). Thus the relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum depression was analyzed in the context of various aspects of breastfeeding (i.e.…”

Changes in Breastfeeding Exclusivity and Satisfaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…On an individual level, breastfeeding satisfaction is a factor in the integration of breastfeeding into maternal identity and promotes maternal well-being and bonding (Avilla et al, 2020;Edwards, 2018;Kuswara et al, 2021). The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding exclusivity and satisfaction are largely unknown.…”