The Association of Postpartum Maternal Mental Health With Breastfeeding Status of Mothers: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background:Maternal health status might have an important effect on breastfeeding, growth, and general health of the infants.Objectives:This study was conducted to assess the association between maternal mental health and breastfeeding status of mothers in Kashan province.Patients and Methods:This case-control study was conducted on 458 mothers in two groups of unsuccessful breastfeeding (case) and successful breastfeeding (control) attending Kashan province health clinics. In this study, the GHQ questionnaire and clinical interview were employed to collect data. The data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.Results:It was found that mothers of the case group had a greater susceptibility to depression than those of the control group, that is, breastfeeding status was directly associated with susceptibility to depression (P = 0.001, OR = 5.48). Furthermore, there was a significant association between basic characteristics such as maternal occupational status (P = 0.04) or their educations (P = 0.006) with breastfeeding. Besides, clinical interview revealed that mixed depression and anxiety disorder was the most prevalent type of psychological disorder in the case group.Conclusions:Screening depression during pregnancy and postpartum period appeared to be necessary and it should be incorporated into prenatal and postnatal care due to its influence on mothers’ successful breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Status and Effective Factors in 21 - 27 Months Iranian Infants

“…Our results consistent to another local study (2014) which showed 65.8% of Iranian mothers had breastfeeding in 4 first months but this rate decreased to 24 months [2]. Spears and Garbarino in their studies also revealed that the prevalence rate of the breastfeeding initiation rate was much more than breast feeding sustaining after 6 months or latter [17] [18].…”

“…It is a source of protein, lipid, oligosaccharide, vitamins, elements, hormones, enzymes, growth and immune factors that can adjust over time based on infant's need [1]. Breastfeeding protects children against respiratory tract infections, atopic dermatitis, asthma, type II diabetes, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome [2]. Suboptimal breastfeeding is responsible for children death (under 5 years old) due to infections (45%), diarrhea (30%) and acute respiratory disease (18%) [3].…”

“…Some elements like personal, cultural, social, environmental, and psychological characteristics, acceptance of female role, breastfeeding experience, infant health status and belief of insufficient milk supply affect on breastfeeding tendency [2]. Pre and post natal breastfeeding training are also considered influential [6].…”

Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among Iranian mothers: A longitudinal population-based study

“…8 Moreover, breastfeeding can help to build up a strong bond between the mother and her child, which may help to establish normal or positive feelings and emotions in both mother and child to prevent post-partum depression. 9 …”

The Relation of Pre and Postnatal Depression and Anxiety with Exclusive Breastfeeding

“…Optimal outcome is reported from mothers with exclusive breastfeeding (8). According to studies in countries outside of Iran, only slightly more than half of mothers would continue to exclusively breastfeed their infants until four months of age (9). A number of factors can lead to early cessation of breastfeeding.…”