Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite abundant evidence supporting breastfeeding benefits, over 15% of women do not initiate breastfeeding and many stop earlier than recommended. Postpartum depression has a negative association with breastfeeding outcomes. Antepartum depression could have a similar effect. METHODS: Our retrospective chart review included all women from the University of Texas Physicians obstetrical practice who completed an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and delivered between January 2017 and February 2018. IRB approval was obtained. Of 988 potentially qualifying women, 176 were included [exclusions included no EPDS during pregnancy (809) or maternal breastfeeding contraindication (3)]. Dependent variables were breastfeeding initiation and duration through the postpartum visit. Antepartum depression was defined as a pregnancy EPDS greater than or equal to 13. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine association between antepartum depression and breastfeeding outcomes. RESULTS: No significant association was found between antepartum depression scores and breastfeeding outcomes. Unadjusted OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.25–1.08); adjusted OR 1.08 (95% CI 0.39–3.03) for breastfeeding initiation. Unadjusted OR 0.80 (95% CI 0.36–1.78) adjusted OR 1.02 (95% CI 0.42–2.48). Women with antepartum underlying mood disorders did have significantly reduced odds of initiation and duration of breastfeeding [initiation adjusted OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.08–0.72), duration adjusted OR 0.25 (0.08–0.75)]. CONCLUSION: We found no association between antepartum depression scores and breastfeeding outcomes. Women with underlying mood disorders had significantly reduced odds of initiating and continuing breastfeeding at the postpartum visit. Addressing underlying mood disorders during pregnancy might be a novel strategy to increase breastfeeding rates.
Published Version
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