Christine Toledo1, Rosina Cianelli2, Natalia Villegas Rodriguez3, Giovanna De Oliveira2, Karina Gattamorta2, Danuta Wojnar4, Emmanuela Ojukwu5. 1. Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Boca Raton, Florida. 2. University of Miami School of Nursing, Coral Gables, Florida. 3. University of North Carolina School of Nursing, Carrington Hall, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 4. Seattle University College of Nursing, Seattle, Washington. 5. The University of British Columbia School of Nursing, BC, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Examine the relationship between breastfeeding practices (breastfeeding status and breastfeeding length) and postpartum depression (PPD) risk, after controlling for significant risk factors for PPD. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, correlational study design was used. Data was used from a national dataset using a subsample of women (n = 29,682) residing in 26 states in the United States that answered the 2016 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) questionnaire. A secondary analysis was conducted using descriptive and bivariate analyses, and a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: Women currently breastfeeding (AOR = 0.87 CI: 0.79-0.95, p = .001), and women who breastfed for longer periods of time (p = < .002) had a statistically significantly lower PPD risk compared to their counterparts, even after accounting for significant covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings suggest breastfeeding as a cost efficient and healthy behavior that can decrease a woman's risk for PPD. Nurses should educate and promote the maternal mental health benefits of breastfeeding in addition to the health benefits for the infant.
OBJECTIVE: Examine the relationship between breastfeeding practices (breastfeeding status and breastfeeding length) and postpartum depression (PPD) risk, after controlling for significant risk factors for PPD. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, correlational study design was used. Data was used from a national dataset using a subsample of women (n = 29,682) residing in 26 states in the United States that answered the 2016 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) questionnaire. A secondary analysis was conducted using descriptive and bivariate analyses, and a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: Women currently breastfeeding (AOR = 0.87 CI: 0.79-0.95, p = .001), and women who breastfed for longer periods of time (p = < .002) had a statistically significantly lower PPD risk compared to their counterparts, even after accounting for significant covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings suggest breastfeeding as a cost efficient and healthy behavior that can decrease a woman's risk for PPD. Nurses should educate and promote the maternal mental health benefits of breastfeeding in addition to the health benefits for the infant.