Sari Ahlqvist-Björkroth1,2, Jenni Vaarno1, Niina Junttila3, Marjaterttu Pajulo4, Hannele Räihä2, Harri Niinikoski1,5, Hanna Lagström1. 1. Turku Institute for Child and Youth Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. 2. Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. 3. Turku Institute for Advanced Studies & Centre for Learning Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. 4. Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, & Academy of Finland, Turku, Finland. 5. Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study explored the effects of mothers' and fathers' prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms and marital distress on breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) duration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective follow-up of a cohort sample of 873 families participating to an intensive follow-up cohort of longitudinal Steps to the Healthy Development and Well-being of Children study (The STEPS study) in Southwestern Finland. The depressive symptoms were evaluated by The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and marital distress by the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale at 20th gestational week and at 4 months postpartum. EBF was self-reported real-time and defined as an infant receiving no food or drink other than mother's breast milk since birth, except occasionally water. RESULTS: Neither parents' prenatal depressive symptoms predicted breastfeeding initiation or EBF duration. The mothers' prenatal depressive symptoms, in turn, predicted their postnatal depressive symptoms, which were associated with shorter duration of EBF. The EBF duration was shortest amongst the mothers who had depressive symptoms both pre- and postnatally compared to mothers who had depressive symptoms only in either time point alone (M = 1.54, 2.06 and 2.04 months, respectively). Higher prenatal maternal marital distress was associated with longer EBF duration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the continuity of maternal depressive symptoms throughout the perinatal period has adverse effect on EBF duration. Identification and treatment of mothers' depressive symptoms already during the prenatal period may improve breastfeeding practices. The finding of mothers' marital distress having positive impact on breastfeeding practices requires further investigation.
INTRODUCTION: This study explored the effects of mothers' and fathers' prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms and marital distress on breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) duration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective follow-up of a cohort sample of 873 families participating to an intensive follow-up cohort of longitudinal Steps to the Healthy Development and Well-being of Children study (The STEPS study) in Southwestern Finland. The depressive symptoms were evaluated by The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and marital distress by the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale at 20th gestational week and at 4 months postpartum. EBF was self-reported real-time and defined as an infant receiving no food or drink other than mother's breast milk since birth, except occasionally water. RESULTS: Neither parents' prenatal depressive symptoms predicted breastfeeding initiation or EBF duration. The mothers' prenatal depressive symptoms, in turn, predicted their postnatal depressive symptoms, which were associated with shorter duration of EBF. The EBF duration was shortest amongst the mothers who had depressive symptoms both pre- and postnatally compared to mothers who had depressive symptoms only in either time point alone (M = 1.54, 2.06 and 2.04 months, respectively). Higher prenatal maternal marital distress was associated with longer EBF duration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the continuity of maternal depressive symptoms throughout the perinatal period has adverse effect on EBF duration. Identification and treatment of mothers' depressive symptoms already during the prenatal period may improve breastfeeding practices. The finding of mothers' marital distress having positive impact on breastfeeding practices requires further investigation.
Authors: Emily M Nagel; Mariann A Howland; Cynthia Pando; Jamie Stang; Susan M Mason; David A Fields; Ellen W Demerath Journal: Clin Ther Date: 2021-12-20 Impact factor: 3.393
Authors: Wanêssa Lacerda Poton; Ana Luiza Gonçalves Soares; Ana Maria Baptista Menezes; Fernando César Wehrmeister; Helen Gonçalves Journal: Rev Panam Salud Publica Date: 2018-02-19