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Positive Effect of Breastfeeding on Child Development, Anxiety, and Postpartum Depression

Author

Listed:
  • Štefica Mikšić

    (Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia)

  • Boran Uglešić

    (School of medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
    University Hospital Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Jelena Jakab

    (Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia
    Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia)

  • Dubravka Holik

    (Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia)

  • Andrea Milostić Srb

    (Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia)

  • Dunja Degmečić

    (Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia
    University hospital Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia)

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression is a psychiatric disorder that starts from the second to the sixth week after birth. Breastfeeding is considered a protective factor for postpartum mood swings. This paper aims to examine the effect of breastfeeding on postpartum depression and anxiety, and how it affects child development. Methods: The study included 209 pregnant women, 197 puerperea, and 160 women at the end of the third month after delivery, followed through three time-points. The instruments used in the study were the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: Postpartum mothers with low risk of PPD breastfed their children more often than mothers with a mild or severe risk of perinatal depression. Mean values on the BDI scale three months after giving birth were higher in mothers who did not breastfeed their child (M = 3.53) than those who did breastfeed their child (M = 2.28). Postpartum anxiety measured by BAI was statistically negatively correlated (rs-, 430) with the duration of breastfeeding. Conclusion: Nonbreastfeeding mothers are more depressed and anxious compared to breastfeeding mothers.

Suggested Citation

  • Štefica Mikšić & Boran Uglešić & Jelena Jakab & Dubravka Holik & Andrea Milostić Srb & Dunja Degmečić, 2020. "Positive Effect of Breastfeeding on Child Development, Anxiety, and Postpartum Depression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-8, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:8:p:2725-:d:345729
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    Cited by:

    1. Adi Freund-Azaria & Tami Bar-Shalita & Rivka Regev & Orit Bart, 2022. "The Role of Motor Coordination, ADHD-Related Characteristics and Temperament among Mothers and Infants in Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Cohort Prospective Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-14, May.
    2. Noor Fairuzi Suhana Yahya & Nur Islami Mohd Fahmi Teng & Najwa Shafiee & Norsham Juliana, 2021. "Association between Breastfeeding Attitudes and Postpartum Depression among Mothers with Premature Infants during COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-13, October.
    3. Rosalia Ragusa & Gabriele Giorgianni & Marina Marranzano & Salvatore Cacciola & Valentina Lucia La Rosa & Alessandra Giarratana & Valentina Altadonna & Vincenzo Guardabasso, 2020. "Breastfeeding in Hospitals: Factors Influencing Maternal Choice in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-14, May.

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