A comparison between late preterm and term infants on breastfeeding and maternal mental health.
The objective of this study was to compare breastfeeding, postpartum mental health, and health service utilization between a group of late preterm (LP) maternal infant pairs and term counterparts. Data was drawn from a prospective community-based cohort in Calgary, Alberta. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. LP infants were more likely to have had a longer median length of stay after birth (P < 0.001) and a higher re-hospitalization rate at 4-months (P < 0.001) compared to term infants. Mothers of LP infants were more likely to report immediate breastfeeding difficulties (P < 0.001) and earlier cessation of breastfeeding at 4-months postpartum (P = 0.008). Multivariable analyses revealed that LP status was an independent risk factor for excessive symptoms of maternal anxiety (OR = 2.07; 95 % CI = 1.08,3.98), but not for depression, stress, or low parenting morale. LP infants and their families are a vulnerable population with unique developmental trajectories. Further longitudinal research is required.
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, sheilaw.mcdonald@albertahealthservices.ca.
Sheila W
SW
McDonald
Karen M
KM
Benzies
Jenna E
JE
Gallant
Deborah A
DA
McNeil
Siobhan M
SM
Dolan
Suzanne C
SC
Tough
D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D008429:Maternal Welfare / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D049590:Postpartum Period; D047928:Premature Birth; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047929:Term Birth