scholarly journals Breast may not always be best: moderation of effects of postnatal depression by breastfeeding and infant sex

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Braithwaite ◽  
Helen Sharp ◽  
Andrew Pickles ◽  
Jonathan Hill ◽  
Nicola Wright

Abstract Background There is good evidence that female infants are particularly vulnerable to poor emotional outcomes following in utero glucocorticoid exposure. It is currently unclear whether such effects might persist into the postnatal period for breastfed infants, as maternal cortisol is expressed in breastmilk and is influenced by maternal psychological distress. We pre-registered hypotheses that maternal postnatal depression would be associated with infant negative emotionality, and that this effect would be moderated by breastfeeding status and infant sex. Methods We analysed data from the Wirral Child Health and Development Study (WCHADS), a prospective epidemiological study starting in pregnancy. Nine weeks after birth mothers self-reported depressive symptoms and breastfeeding status, and reported infant negative emotionality using the distress to limits subscale of the infant behaviour questionnaire (IBQ-R) when their infant was aged 9 weeks and 14 months. Maximum likelihood estimations made use of data from 857 mother-infant pairs. Results At 9 weeks of age, maternal postnatal depressive symptoms were positively associated with infant distress to limits; however, this effect was not moderated by infant sex or breastfeeding. At age 14 months, the association between postnatal depression symptoms and distress to limits was greatest in the breastfed females, whereas the association was smaller, but still significant, in the non-breastfed females. For males, the association was non-significant in both the breastfed and non-breastfed groups. A test of sex difference between breastfed males and females was significant. Conclusions We provide evidence that effects of maternal postnatal depression on child emotional outcomes are moderated by breastfeeding status and differ by infant sex. Female vulnerability to elevated maternal breastmilk glucocorticoids may, at least in part, explain these effects.

2020 ◽  

Background and Objective: Male postnatal depression has recently begun to attract more research attention. However, it often remains unrecognized despite affecting not only the health of the child but also the spousal relationship and family welfare. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of male postnatal depressive symptoms in Guangzhou, South China. It also explored sociodemographic factors and psychological variables as predictors of postnatal depression symptoms. Materials and methods: Chinese men whose children had been born within the last six months were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for depressive symptoms, the Vulnerable Personality Style Questionnaire for personality, and the Social Support Rating Scale for social support. Sociodemographic and psychosocial variables were descriptively analyzed and logistic regression was also employed to analyze the predictive impact of factors associated with depression. Results: A total of 212 new Chinese fathers participated in the study. The prevalence of postnatal depression was 24.1% assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale cutoff score of 10. Depressive symptoms were found to be significantly associated with employment status and vulnerable personality traits. Higher family income, wanted pregnancy, having a child of the desired gender, more family support and objective support (OR = 0.598, 95% CI = 0.312-0.896) were all protective factors for depressive symptoms among new Chinese fathers. Conclusion: This study indicated that there is a need to routinely screen for postnatal depressive symptoms in men. Early identification and timely referral to healthcare professionals may prevent postnatal depression and improve the mental health of new fathers. It is important for healthcare providers to develop and evaluate information resources in print and online so as to establish how best to identify and manage paternal postnatal mental health needs. This study also suggests that new fathers need to be provided with targeted resources concerning postnatal mental health and informed as to how to access them and who can be approached for professional support.


2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 545-567
Author(s):  
Hanne N⊘rr Fentz ◽  
Marianne Simonsen ◽  
Tea Trillingsgaard

Introduction: Paternal postnatal depression has significant negative consequences for the family and child. Still, only little attention has been paid to potential unique risk factors of depression in fathers and the theoretical grounding of such research is sparse. Method: This study examined prenatal risk factors derived from three theoretical models: the cognitive vulnerability-stress model, the interpersonal model, and the gender role risk model of paternal postnatal depression. The sample consisted of 211 expectant fathers, of whom 5.7% scored above the clinical cut-off on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and 235 mothers were included as a reference group. Participants filled in questionnaires during pregnancy and four months postpartum. Results: The study results suggest that prenatal depressive score is the strongest risk factor for both paternal and maternal postnatal depressive symptoms. In addition, childhood separation from parents, unemployment, financial strain, and doubts about having the child were unique risk factors for paternal depressive symptoms, while lower marital satisfaction was a unique risk factor for maternal depression. Discussion: These findings highlight that beyond the strong role of prenatal depressive symptoms for both genders, specific risk factors for father depression exist. This may be informative to health care professionals in increasing the reach and prevention of depression in new fathers.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 484-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.-L. Sutter-Dallay ◽  
L. Murray ◽  
L. Dequae-Merchadou ◽  
E. Glatigny-Dallay ◽  
M.-L. Bourgeois ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundFew studies of the effects of postnatal depression on child development have considered the chronicity of depressive symptoms. We investigated whether early postnatal depressive symptoms (PNDS) predicted child developmental outcome independently of later maternal depressive symptoms.MethodsIn a prospective, longitudinal study, mothers and children were followed-up from birth to 2 years; repeated measures of PNDS were made using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); child development was assessed using the Bayley Scales II. Multilevel modelling techniques were used to examine the association between 6 week PNDS, and child development, taking subsequent depressive symptoms into account.ResultsChildren of mothers with 6 week PNDS were significantly more likely than children of non-symptomatic mothers to have poor cognitive outcome; however, this association was reduced to trend level when adjusted for later maternal depressive symptoms.ConclusionEffects of early PNDS on infant development may be partly explained by subsequent depressive symptoms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi-Yu Zhu ◽  
De-Sheng Huang ◽  
Jian-Da Lv ◽  
Peng Guan ◽  
Xing-Hua Bai

Abstract Background Increasing attention has been paid to differences in the prevalence of perinatal depression by HIV status, although inconsistent results have been reported. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the relationship between perinatal depression and HIV infection. A comprehensive meta-analysis of comparative studies comparing the prevalence of antenatal or postnatal depression between HIV-infected women and HIV-negative controls was conducted. Methods Studies were identified through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase and PsycINFO, and the reading of complementary references in August 2019. Subgroup analyses were performed for anticipated explanation of heterogeneity using methodological quality and pre-defined study characteristics, including study design, geographical location and depression screening tools for depression. The overall odds ratio (OR) and mean prevalence of each group were calculated. Results Twenty-three studies (from 21 publications), thirteen regarding antenatal depression and ten regarding postnatal depression were included, comprising 3165 subjects with HIV infection and 6518 controls. The mean prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms in thirteen included studies was 36% (95% CI: 27, 45%) in the HIV-positive group and 26% (95% CI: 20, 32%) in the control group. The mean prevalence of postnatal depressive symptoms in ten included studies was 21% (95% CI: 14, 27%) in the HIV-positive group and 16% (95% CI: 10, 22%) in the control group. Women living with HIV have higher odds of antenatal (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.80) and postnatal depressive symptoms (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.32) compared with controls. Publication bias and moderate heterogeneity existed in the overall meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was partly explained by the subgroup analyses. Conclusions Women with HIV infection exhibit a significantly higher OR of antenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms compared with controls. For the health of both mother and child, clinicians should be aware of the significance of depression screening before and after delivery in this particular population and take effective measures to address depression among these women.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1111-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Vik

IntroductionPostnatal depression as well as postnatal depressive symptoms may have detrimental effects in offspring.ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to examine the nature of the video interaction guidance method Marte Meo offered new mothers experiencing depression or depressive symptoms.AimThe aim was to develop knowledge to be utilised in care in order to prevent sufferings for mothers, babies and their families.MethodsFifteen mothers were recruited from a health centre. They took part in Marte Meo guidance and in-depth interviews.ResultsAll mothers experienced Marte Meo in a positive manner, the main point being that they viewed their babies and/or themselves in the videos “from the outside looking in”. This seemed to be the key to facilitating reflection, a renewed sense of vitality and increased capacity for mentalisation. This viewing thus had an overall positive influence on increasing sensitive mother-child interaction and decreasing maternal depressive symptoms as well as facilitating a mentalisation process in the participating mothers, increasing their ability to reflect on their own and others state of mind and in turn recognise their babies as subjects. The results are applied in both community and specialist health services.ConclusionMarte Meo may be a helpful method and can also be administrated on a community-based level where the threshold for seeking help is a low one.


Author(s):  
Johanna T. Pietikäinen ◽  
Tommi Härkänen ◽  
Päivi Polo-Kantola ◽  
Hasse Karlsson ◽  
Tiina Paunio ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Insomnia symptoms during late pregnancy are a known risk for postnatal depressive symptoms (PDS). However, the cumulative effect of various risk factors throughout pregnancy has not been explored. Our aim was to test how various insomnia symptoms (sleep latency, duration, quality, frequent night awakenings, early morning awakenings) and other risk factors (e.g., history of depression, symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as sociodemographic factors) in early, mid-, and late pregnancy predict PDS. Methods Using data from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study and logistic regression analyses, we investigated the associations of distinct insomnia symptoms at gw 14, 24, and 34 with depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 11) 3 months postnatally. We also calculated separate and combined predictive models of PDS for each pregnancy time point and reported the odds ratios for each risk group. Results Of the 2224 women included in the study, 7.1% scored EPDS ≥ 11 3 months postnatally. Our predictive models indicated that sleep latency of ≥ 20 min, anxiety in early pregnancy, and insufficient sleep during late pregnancy predicted the risk of PDS. Furthermore, we found highly elevated odds ratios in early, mid-, and late pregnancy for women with multiple PDS risk factors. Conclusion Screening of long sleep latency and anxiety during early pregnancy, in addition to depression screening, could be advisable. Odds ratios of risk factor combinations demonstrate the magnitude of cumulating risk of PDS when multiple risk factors are present.


Author(s):  
Kebogile Mokwena ◽  
Itumeleng Masike

Although postnatal depression (PND) is a worldwide public health problem, it is relatively higher in developing countries, including countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Postnatal depression is not routinely screened for in primary healthcare facilities in South Africa, despite its reported compromise on mother and child health. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of, as well as factors associated with, postnatal depression in a sample of clinic attendees in a sub district in Tshwane, South Africa. A quantitative and cross-sectional survey was conducted in a sample of 406 women in three healthcare facilities. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to collect data from women who had infants between the ages of 0 and 12 months. The cut-off point for the EPDS for the depressed category was a score of 13 out of a maximum of 30. The majority of the women (57.14%, n = 232) had scores of 13 and above, which is indicative of postnatal depressive symptoms. On logistic regression, postnatal depressive symptoms were significantly associated with lack of support in difficult times (p < 0.001, 95% CI 10.57–546.51), not having the preferred sex of the baby (p = 0.001, 95% CI 0.37–0.58), low household income (p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.23–1.67), and an older baby (p = 0.005, 95% CI 1.21–1.49). The results show the high proportion of women who have postnatal depression but remain undiagnosed and untreated, and therefore confirm the need for routine screening for postnatal depressive symptoms in primary healthcare facilities, which are used by the majority of women in South Africa.


2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 459-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.L. Sutter-Dallay ◽  
V. Giaconne-Marcesche ◽  
E. Glatigny-Dallay ◽  
H. Verdoux

AbstractObjective– Studies have suggested that women with pregnancy anxiety may be at greater risk of postnatal depression (PND). However, due to the high comorbidity between anxiety and depressive disorders, this finding may be confounded by the association between prenatal depression and postnatal depression. The aim of the present prospective study was to assess whether anxiety disorder (AD) during pregnancy is an independent predictor of intensity of postnatal depressive symptoms.Method.– The MATQUID cohort survey was conducted on pregnant women (n = 497) attending a state maternity hospital. Psychiatric status during pregnancy was assessed during the third trimester using a structured diagnostic interview. Intense postnatal depressive symptoms at 6 weeks post-partum were defined by a score >12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).Results.– Nearly one out of four women (24.1%) presented with at least one pregnancyAD, and 29 (5.8%) presented with a score >12 on the EPDS. After adjustment for presence of major depression during pregnancy and other confounding factors, women with pregnancy AD were nearly three times more likely to present with intense postnatal depressive symptoms (OR = 2.7, 95%CI 1.1-6.3, P = 0.03).Conclusion.– Promoting the recognition and management of AD in pregnant women may be of interest for the prevention of postnatal depression.


2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (05) ◽  
pp. 441-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinelopi Varela ◽  
Areti C. Spyropoulou ◽  
Zacharias Kalogerakis ◽  
Eleni Vousoura ◽  
Martha Moraitou ◽  
...  

Aim The aim of the present study was to assess the association of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms in a sample of pregnant women in Greece. Background Earlier research supports a relationship between depression and diabetes, but only a few studies have examined the relationship between GDM and perinatal depressive symptomatology. Methods A total of 117 women in their third trimester of pregnancy participated in the study. Demographic and obstetric history data were recorded during women’s third trimester of pregnancy. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the validated Greek version of the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at two time points: on the third trimester of pregnancy and on the first week postpartum. Findings Prevalence of GDM was 14.5%. Probable diagnosis of depression occurred for 12% of the sample during the antenatal assessment and 15.1% in the postpartum assessment. In the first week postpartum, women with GDM had significantly higher postpartum (but no antenatal) EPDS scores compared with the non-GDM cohort. In conclusion, GDM appears to be associated with depressive symptoms in the first week postpartum. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed, emphasizing the importance of closely monitoring women with GDM who seem more vulnerable to developing depressive symptomatology during the postnatal period.


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