Recorded presentation

Linda C. Pugh, PhD, RNC, FAAN¹, Phyllis W. Sharps, PhD, RN, FAAN², Renee Milligan, RNC, PhD¹, and Lindsey Brooks, BA¹. (1) School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, 410-614-5311, lpugh@son.jhmi.edu, (2) Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Room 464, Baltimore, MD 21205

Postpartum depression among women has been shown to have adverse consequences among mothers and infants. However little is known about the relationship between breastfeeding and depressive symptoms. A breastfeeding support team made up of a community health nurse and peer counselor has been recognized as being effective in helping promote longer duration of breastfeeding. Effectiveness of the team has been published elsewhere. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the factors (independent of the intervention) that describe the relationship between breastfeeding patterns and depressive symptoms among urban women.

The data from seventy-one urban women residing in Baltimore city, enrolled in one of two pilot studies that were similar in nature (randomized trials) of predominantly minority women (88.8% African American or Black), single (84.5%), and young (mean age = 22.09, sd = 5.075). Data were gathered about infant feeding patterns and depressive symptoms (CES-D). Controlling for group status in the randomized trial, at three months postpartum women who were exclusively breastfeeding had lower mean depressive scores on the CES-D compared to women who combined breast and formula feeding, Women who were exclusively formula feeding had the highest depressive scores on the CES-D. In this sample, understanding the relationship of depressive symptoms and breastfeeding patterns may help community health nurses provide interventions and support that enhance breastfeeding exclusivity, duration, and promote maternal mental health.

Learning Objectives:

• to describe previous reserach about breastfeeding and depressive symptoms
• to discuss strategies that promote breastfeeding in urban mothers at risk for postpartum depression

Keywords: Breast Feeding, Depression

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation