Abstract
BackgroundAlthough breastfeeding is recommended by WHO and professionals as the most beneficial for newborn babies, many women find it challenging. Previous research yielded ambiguous results concerning the role of breastfeeding in the development of postpartum depression. The study aimed to identify the best predictors of depressive symptoms for each of these feeding method.MethodsThe participants were 151 women (mean age 29.4 yrs; SD = 4.5) who gave birth within the last 6 months and included 82 women classified as breastfeeding, 38 classified as mixed-feeding (breast and bottle), and 31 as formula-feeding. The study had a cross-sectional design using a web-based survey for data collection. The following measures were administered: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Sense of Stress Questionnaire; The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire; Parenting Sense of Competence Scale; Infant Feeding Questionnaire.ResultsWomen in study groups differed in stress, bonding difficulties, and beliefs related to feeding practices and infancy. There were no significant differences in the severity of depressive symptoms, but all mean EPDS scores were above 12. Maternal satisfaction, intrapsychic stress, and concerns about feeding on a schedule were the best predictors of EPDS scores for breastfeeding women. For mixed-feeding – emotional tension, concern about infant's hunger, overeating, and awareness of infant's hunger and satiety cues; while for the formula-feeding group, predictors included emotional tension, bonding difficulties, and such maternal feeding practices and beliefs as concern about undereating, awareness of infant's hunger and satiety cues, concerns about feeding on a schedule and social interaction with the infant during feeding.ConclusionDifferences in predictors of postpartum depression for study groups suggest that breastfeeding itself may not be a risk for postpartum depression. However, the specificity of maternal experiences with the various types of feeding is related to difficulties promoting postpartum depression. Providing emotional and educational support appropriate for different types of feeding may be an essential protective factor for postnatal depression.
Highlights
IntroductionBreastfeeding is strongly advised for at least the first 6 months of a child’s life
As the benefits of breastfeeding for maternal bonding were advocated for, we aimed to verify whether the mother-child bond developed differently in either of three feeding methods and whether PPD was connected to maternal feeding beliefs, maternal self-esteem, and stress
Chi-square tests indicated a significant difference between the feeding method groups only for the infant’s gender (?22,151 = 8.533; p < 0.05)
Summary
Breastfeeding is strongly advised for at least the first 6 months of a child’s life. It is advocated for its benefits for infants’ health and emotional development [1]. A variety of strategies used to promote breastfeeding include those concentrated on the benefits of such a feeding method and those focused on the risk of formula feeding [2]. Initiation of breastfeeding usually takes place in postnatal wards. In this process, the support from medical staff plays an important role [3]. Despite benefits for children, breastfeeding is analyzed in the context of its effects for mothers, especially the risk of postpartum depression. Previous research yielded ambiguous results concerning the role of breastfeeding in the development of postpartum depression. The study aimed to identify the best predictors of depressive symptoms for each of these feeding method
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
