Pacifiers and Exclusive Breastfeeding: Does Risk for Postpartum Depression Modify the Association?
Heather L Sipsma1,2, Katelin Kornfeind2, Laura R Kair3,4
11 Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Summary
Pacifiers may help mothers at high risk for postpartum depression maintain exclusive breastfeeding. However, they were linked to lower exclusive breastfeeding rates in mothers at low risk for postpartum depression.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Infant Feeding Practices
Background:
- Postpartum depression (PPD) is linked to reduced breastfeeding rates.
- The impact of pacifier use on breastfeeding outcomes remains debated.
- Previous studies suggest pacifiers might support vulnerable mothers in breastfeeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effect of in-hospital pacifier receipt on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 1 week and 3 months postpartum.
- To determine if the association between pacifier use and EBF is modified by a mother's risk for PPD.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Listening to Mothers III study (n=1,349).
- Inclusion of mothers intending to breastfeed and delivering at term.
- Use of weighted multivariable logistic regression to assess associations, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Pacifier use was not significantly associated with EBF at 1 week but was linked to lower EBF odds at 3 months postpartum.
- PPD risk modified the pacifier-breastfeeding association.
- Among high-PPD risk mothers, pacifier use increased EBF odds at 1 week and 3 months.
- Among low-PPD risk mothers, pacifier use decreased EBF odds at both time points.
Conclusions:
- Pacifiers may help prevent early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers at high risk for PPD.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex relationship between pacifier use and breastfeeding in different maternal risk groups.
Keywords:
breastfeedingbreastfeeding experienceexclusive breastfeedinghealth services researchinfant carepostpartum depressionMore Related Videos
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