Title : Breastfeeding in pregnancies complicated by mental illness
Abstract:
In recent years, the increasing number of pregnant women with comorbid mental disorders has become a major concern. Without appropriate support, their physical and mental health, as well as that of their fetuses and newborns, may be adversely affected. Breastfeeding is crucial for the good health of both mothers and children; however, women with mental disorders often face challenges in breastfeeding. This study examines the rates and methods of breastfeeding among pregnant women with mental disorders from pregnancy through one month postpartum. This study is based on retrospective data collected from a sample of 440 pregnant women between 2017 and 2019. Out of these participants, 52 had mental disorders, and 388 did not. The desire to breastfeed before delivery was significantly lower in the group with mental disorders (30.8%) than in the group without mental disorders (64.9%) (p<0.01). Additionally, the breastfeeding rate at one month postpartum was alarmingly low among those with mental disorders (19.2%), who also showed fewer instances of direct breastfeeding. Furthermore, this group had a significantly lower maternity leave rate (p<0.05), and a higher incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms (p<0.01) compared to those without mental disorders. These findings suggest that women with mental disorders are less likely to engage in breastfeeding, potentially hindering maternal-infant bonding. Moreoever, a lack of understanding and bias among healthcare providers may further obstruct breastfeeding efforts. Future initiatives should focus on early screening for mental disorders and the establishment of multidisciplinary support systems. This study highlights the need for appropriate and comprehensive support measures for pregnant women with mental disorders to ensure the health of both mothers and their children.
