Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
Breastfeeding experiences and perspectives among women with postnatal depression: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Daniela Da Silva Tanganhito1, Debra Bick2, Yan-Shing Chang3
1King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London UK.
Background:
Studies show that postnatal depression affects around 10-16% of women globally. It is associated with earlier cessation of breast feeding, which can negatively impact infants' long-term development. Mechanisms underpinning associations between mental health and women's decision to commence and continue to breastfeed are complex and poorly understood.
Aim:
The aim of this review was to investigate breastfeeding experiences, perspectives, and support needs of women with postnatal depression. No previous reviews were identified which had addressed this aim.
Method:
A systematic search was conducted of six databases to identify relevant qualitative studies. Six included studies were critically appraised and synthesised using thematic synthesis.
Findings:
Five themes were identified: (1) desire to breastfeed and be a 'good mother', (2) struggles with breastfeeding, (3) mixed experiences of support from healthcare professionals, (4) importance of practical and social support, (5) support for mental health and breastfeeding. Most women with postnatal depression expressed strong intentions to breastfeed, although some perceived 'failure' to breastfeed triggered their mental health problems. Practical and non-judgemental support for their mental health needs and for successful breastfeeding from healthcare professionals, family and friends are needed.
Conclusion:
Most women with postnatal depression desired to breastfeed but experienced breastfeeding difficulties that could impact on their mental health. By offering women with postnatal depression tailored and timely support, healthcare professionals could help women minimize breastfeeding problems which could consequently impact on their mental well-being and ensure they and their infants have opportunity to benefit from the advantages that breastfeeding offers.
More Related Videos
05:04A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
06:18Qualitative and Comparative Cortical Activity Data Analyses from a Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Experiment Applying Block Design
Published on: December 3, 2020
Related Concept Videos
02:55The Evidence for Evolution
03:46Qualitative Analysis
For instance, group IV...
01:10Qualitative Analysis
There are two main approaches to qualitative analysis:...
01:05Long-term Depression
03:12Freezing Point Depression and Boiling Point Elevation
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to ambient atmospheric pressure. Since the vapor pressure of a solution is lowered due to the presence of nonvolatile solutes, it stands to reason that the solution’s boiling point will subsequently be increased. Vapor pressure increases with temperature, and so a solution will require a higher temperature than will pure solvent to achieve any given vapor pressure, including one...
01:28Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...