Objective:to evaluate breastfeeding self-efficacy, the presence of postpartum depression symptons and the association between breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum depression with cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Method:cohort study with 83 women. The instruments used were the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using the log-rank tests, analysis of variance and the Cox survival model. Results:breastfeeding self-efficacy (p = 0.315) and postpartum depression (p = 0.0879) did not show any statistical difference over time. The chances of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding decreased by 48% when self-efficacy changed from low to medium and by 80% when it changed from medium to high. Postpartum women who scored ≥10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale interrupt exclusive breastfeeding, on average, 10 days earlier than those with a score ≤9, whose median breastfeeding duration was 38 days postpartum. Conclusion:breastfeeding self-efficacy was proved to be a protective factor for exclusive breastfeeding, while postpartum depression is a risk factor.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of postpartum depression symptoms and the level of self-efficacy to breastfeed among puerperal women assisted at a Breastfeeding Incentive Center, and to analyze possible associations. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 208 women up to 60 days postpartum submitted to the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and the Self-Efficacy Scale for Breastfeeding. Results: Postpartum depression symptoms were present in 31.25% of women who presented medium (39.9%) and high (36.06%) levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy. The medium or high self-efficacy decreased the depression score by 27.4% or 38.8% respectively, while the high score on the postpartum depression scale reduced the self-efficacy score in breastfeeding by 11.84 points. Conclusion: The high prevalence of postpartum depression symptoms and self-efficacy for breastfeeding were evident in the studied population. The levels of postpartum depression symptoms and self-efficacy revealed a cause and effect association between themselves. ResumoObjetivo: Identificar a prevalência de sintomas de depressão pós-parto e o nível de autoeficácia para amamentar, entre puérperas atendidas num Centro de Incentivo ao Aleitamento Materno, e analisar possíveis associações. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 208 mulheres, até 60 dias pós-parto, submetidas à Escala de Depressão Pós-parto de Edinburgo e à Escala de Autoeficácia para Amamentar. Resultados: Sintomas de depressão pós-parto estiveram presentes em 31,25% das mulheres, que apresentaram níveis de autoeficácia para amamentar médio (39,9%) e alto (36,06%). Ter média ou alta autoeficácia diminui em 27,4% ou 38,8%, respectivamente, o escore de depressão, enquanto a elevada pontuação na escala de depressão pós-parto reduz em 11,84 pontos o escore da autoeficácia na amamentação. Conclusão: Prevalência elevada de sintomas de depressão pós-parto e de autoeficácia para amamentar foram evidenciados na população estudada. Os níveis de sintomas de depressão pós-parto e de autoeficácia revelaram associação de causa e efeito entre si.