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Early breastfeeding is associated with low risk of postpartum depression in Taiwanese women

Abstract Breastfeeding during the first week postpartum is recognised as essential, affecting the mother’s mental health. The human milk from early breastfeeding also protects against infections via the secretory IgA antibodies and plays an important role in the newborn’s development. At a Baby-Friendly Hospital, early breastfeeding was promoted to increase the benefits for the newborn, but few focussed on the mother’s health. The association between breastfeeding and postpartum depression (PPD) has not been fully addressed. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum depression (PPD) and it included 333 Taiwanese pregnant women. Women who had a higher score of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were significant older (age ≥ 35, p < .037), had a caesarean section delivery (p < .001), and a higher score of Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5 (p < .001). Higher scores on EPDS were significantly associated with lower rates of breastfeeding, which reflected cessation of breastfeeding as an important risk factor for PPD (Odds ratio: 2.159, CI: 1.220–3.821, p = .008). Other risk factors included caesarean section delivery (Odds ratio: 2.814, CI: 1.617–4.899, p < .001) and age ≥35 years (Odds ratio: 1.821, CI: 1.057–3.137, p = .031). IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject: Breastfeeding during the first week postpartum is recognised as essential, affecting the mother’s mental health. The human milk from early breastfeeding also protects against infections via the secretory IgA antibodies and plays an important role in the newborn’s development. The detail association between breastfeeding and postpartum depression has not yet been fully addressed. What the results of this study add: Higher scores on EPDS were significantly associated with lower rates of breastfeeding, which reflected cessation of breastfeeding as an important risk factor for PPD (Odds ratio: 2.159, CI: 1.220–3.821, p = .008). Other risk factors included caesarean section delivery (Odds ratio: 2.814, CI: 1.617–4.899, p < .001) and age ≥35 years (Odds ratio: 1.821, CI: 1.057–3.137, p = .031). What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The early breastfeeding was significantly associated with postpartum depression. Other risk factors included caesarean section delivery and age ≥35 years.