Laura E Miller-Graff1, Azza H Ahmed2, Julia L Paulson3. 1. 1 Department of Psychology, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA. 2. 2 College of Health and Human Sciences, School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA. 3. 3 Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence has been related to breastfeeding difficulties. Few studies, however, have also accounted for other biopsychosocial risk factors associated with women's breastfeeding. Research aim: This study aimed to examine how prenatal intimate partner violence affects women's breastfeeding initiation, early cessation, and exclusivity at 6 weeks postpartum, controlling for perinatal health problems, prenatal depression, childhood adverse experiences, and prenatal breastfeeding education. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective one-group study was conducted. Data were collected via interview and survey from a sample of low-income pregnant women ( N = 101) during pregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System was used to assess breastfeeding behaviors, prenatal breastfeeding education, and perinatal health problems. Intimate partner violence was assessed using the Conflict Tactics Scales-Revised; adverse childhood experiences and depression were assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, respectively. RESULTS: Women's breastfeeding initiation was predicted by prenatal breastfeeding education (adjusted odds ratio [ OR] = 3.21, p < .05). Early breastfeeding cessation was predicted by prenatal exposure to intimate partner violence (adjusted OR = 0.22, p < .05), preterm labor (adjusted OR = 0.33, p < .05), and prenatal breastfeeding education (adjusted OR = 1.80, p < .05). CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the importance of addressing biopsychosocial risk factors, particularly adversity and perinatal health, in efforts to promote women's breastfeeding success. Future research should evaluate mechanisms that may explain the link between intimate partner violence and breastfeeding cessation.
BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence has been related to breastfeeding difficulties. Few studies, however, have also accounted for other biopsychosocial risk factors associated with women's breastfeeding. Research aim: This study aimed to examine how prenatal intimate partner violence affects women's breastfeeding initiation, early cessation, and exclusivity at 6 weeks postpartum, controlling for perinatal health problems, prenatal depression, childhood adverse experiences, and prenatal breastfeeding education. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective one-group study was conducted. Data were collected via interview and survey from a sample of low-income pregnant women ( N = 101) during pregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System was used to assess breastfeeding behaviors, prenatal breastfeeding education, and perinatal health problems. Intimate partner violence was assessed using the Conflict Tactics Scales-Revised; adverse childhood experiences and depression were assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, respectively. RESULTS:Women's breastfeeding initiation was predicted by prenatal breastfeeding education (adjusted odds ratio [ OR] = 3.21, p < .05). Early breastfeeding cessation was predicted by prenatal exposure to intimate partner violence (adjusted OR = 0.22, p < .05), preterm labor (adjusted OR = 0.33, p < .05), and prenatal breastfeeding education (adjusted OR = 1.80, p < .05). CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the importance of addressing biopsychosocial risk factors, particularly adversity and perinatal health, in efforts to promote women's breastfeeding success. Future research should evaluate mechanisms that may explain the link between intimate partner violence and breastfeeding cessation.
Authors: Carey Watson; Julia Wei; Nicole Varnado; Normelena Rios; Tracy Flanagan; Amy Alabaster; Mary Staunton; Stacy A Sterling; Erica P Gunderson; Kelly C Young-Wolff Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt) Date: 2021-02-04 Impact factor: 2.681
Authors: Brittany R Schuler; Christian Vazquez; Julia M Kobulsky; Krista Schroeder; Gina L Tripicchio; Rachel Wildfeuer Journal: Prev Med Date: 2021-02-03 Impact factor: 4.018
Authors: Yitbarek Kidane Woldetensay; Tefera Belachew; Shibani Ghosh; Eva Johanna Kantelhardt; Hans Konrad Biesalski; Veronika Scherbaum Journal: Int Breastfeed J Date: 2021-03-20 Impact factor: 3.461