Maternal anxiety and breastfeeding: findings from the MAVAN (Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment) Study.
BACKGROUND
Maternal anxiety and depression may impair maternal intention, motivation, and self-efficacy in multiple domains associated with child health including breastfeeding.


OBJECTIVE
We tested the hypothesis that mothers who experience substantial anxiety during pregnancy or the postpartum period are at increased risk for reduced initiation, exclusivity, and continuation of breastfeeding.


METHODS
We obtained data on 255 Canadian pregnant women from the Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment (MAVAN) study recruited between June 2004 and February 2009. We utilized data collected from 18 to 23 weeks gestation through 12 months postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess whether scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were associated with initiation, exclusivity, and continuation of breastfeeding.


RESULTS
Prenatal anxiety was not associated with breastfeeding outcomes. In adjusted models, a single point increase in HAM-A scores at 3 months postpartum was associated with an 11% reduction in the odds of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-0.99). A single point increase in STAI State and STAI Trait scores at 3 months postpartum was associated with a 4% (aOR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99) and 7% (aOR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00) reduction, respectively, in the odds of any breastfeeding at 12 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest a relationship between maternal anxiety and reduced exclusivity and continuation of breastfeeding. Maternal anxiety should be actively monitored and managed appropriately in the postpartum period to support optimal breastfeeding practices.
1Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Demilade A
DA
Adedinsewo
Alison S
AS
Fleming
Meir
M
Steiner
Michael J
MJ
Meaney
Amy Webb
AW
Girard
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D057566:Self Report; D055815:Young Adult
anxiety; breastfeeding; lactation; postpartum depression