The Role of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression in Breastfeeding Practices

• In Event: Maternal health and child development during early infancy

Abstract

Objective: Maternal mental health difficulties are common during the perinatal period and have a negative
impact on breastfeeding practices. Most research has focused on the role of postpartum depression, whereas
maternal anxiety has been less studied, despite its high prevalence. A better understanding of the mental health
variables that impact breastfeeding practices is necessary to support maternal and infant health and well-being.
The aim of this study is to explore the association between breastfeeding practices and maternal mental health,
with an emphasis on maternal anxiety.
Materials and Methods: Two hundred twenty-nine women were followed from the third trimester of gestation
to 3 and 6 months postpartum. The participants provided self-reports of depression, anxiety, and breastfeeding
practices. Mental health symptoms were compared between participants who reported exclusive versus mixed
breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum, and between mothers who maintained breastfeeding versus those who
had weaned their infants at 6 months postpartum. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the variables
contributing to breastfeeding practices.
Results: High levels of depressive symptoms during pregnancy were associated to nonexclusive breastfeeding
at 3 months postpartum. At 3 months postpartum, both high levels of anxiety and depression were associated
with nonexclusive breastfeeding at that time. Logistic regression analyses revealed that exclusive breastfeeding
at 3 months postpartum predicted breastfeeding continuation at 6 months after childbirth.
Conclusion: Both maternal depression and anxiety negatively impact breastfeeding practices. Early identification
of maternal mental health problems during the perinatal period is relevant to promote maternal emotional
well-being and to prevent breastfeeding difficulties.

Authors

• Soledad Coo Calcagni, Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD)
  Presenting Author

• Maria Ignacia García, Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD)
  Non-Presenting Author

• andrea mira, Universidad del Desarrollo
  Non-Presenting Author

• Verónica Valdés
  Non-Presenting Author