Despite important health benefits, the presence of depressive symptoms may decrease the prevalence of breastfeeding. The current study assessed the relationship between depressive symptoms and breastfeeding at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Participants were recruited from a cohort completing a clinical trial of calcium for prevention of preeclampsia. At 6 weeks postpartum, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was completed by mail. At 12 weeks postpartum, the EPDS was completed at an outpatient visit. There was an inverse relationship between depressive symptoms and breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum (P<.001) but not at 12 weeks. This relationship persisted even after controlling for prior history of depression, increased life stress, and current psychoactive medication. The results suggest that depressive symptoms early in the postpartum period may lower the prevalence of breastfeeding.

The data on BP in the children are in agreement with previous studies and argue strongly for additional research into the effects of prenatal calcium supplementation on BP regulation in the offspring.

No abstract

Psychiatrically high-risk women were recruited for a postpartum depression prevention trial. Participants were screened at entry (20-26 weeks gestation) by a psychiatrist prior to receiving randomized treatment. Of the 31 patients who did not complete the study, 10 (33%) were dropped because of diagnosed depression. Only two women developed major depression in the postpartum period. Our data suggests, among high-risk women, obstetric care providers may be overlooking up to one fifth of women with current major depression.

No abstract