THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND BREASTFEEDING

Introduction: The purpose was to investigate the possible correlation or predictive relationship between breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression (PPD). Method: We conducted a prospective study in which 137 Arab women were assessed during pregnancy and postpartum. Current breastfeeding was correlated with postpartum outcomes (EPDS and MINI), employment, and use of formula at 2 and 4 months postpartum, as well as with other variables. Results: Women who were breastfeeding at 2 and 4 months had lower scores on EPDS (p < 0.0037 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and were less likely to be diagnosed with PPD at 4 months (p < 0.0025). Higher scores on EPDS and diagnosis of PPD at 2 months were predictive of lower rates of breastfeeding at 4 months (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005, respectively). Women who were employed and using formula at 2 months were less likely to breastfeed at 4 months (p < 0.0001). Breastfeeding women at 2 months had lower scores on EPDS (p < 0.003) and were less likely to be diagnosed with PPD (p < 0.05) at 4 months. Discussion: The results indicate that women who breastfeed their infants reduced their risk of developing PPD, with effects being maintained over the first 4 months postpartum. PPD may also decrease the rate of breastfeeding, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between these variables. (Int'l. J. Psychiatry in Medicine 2012;43:243-259)