Related Experiment Videos
Breast-feeding and postpartum depression: is there a relationship?
S Misri1, D A Sinclair, A J Kuan
1Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|February 20, 1998
Summary
Postpartum depression onset often precedes breast-feeding cessation. This study found most depressed mothers reported their illness began before they stopped breastfeeding, suggesting a link between the two events.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Mental Health
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant concern for maternal well-being.
- The relationship between breastfeeding and maternal mental health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal relationship between breastfeeding cessation and the onset of postpartum depression.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective examination of 51 postpartum women diagnosed with major depression who had ceased breastfeeding.
- Data collected via self-report questionnaires, assessing illness severity and clinical course.
Main Results:
- 83% of participants reported depression onset preceded breastfeeding cessation.
- 17% reported depression onset occurred after stopping breastfeeding.
Conclusions:
- In this sample, postpartum depression onset appears to precede breastfeeding cessation.
- Illness severity did not significantly impact breastfeeding persistence.