Comparison Of Prevalence Of Postpartum Depression Symptoms Between Breastfeeding Mothers And Non-breastfeeding Mothers

OBJECTIVES There is a relationship between infant feeding method and maternal postpartum depression (PPD). This study was carried out in an Iranian population to compare the prevalence of PPD symptoms between breast feeding and non-breast feeding mothers for first time. METHODS Four health centers in Ahvas were selected by random sampling in 2009. At first 78 non-breast feeding mothers at two months postpartum were recruited in the study and then 78 breast feeding mothers were recruited through random sampling. They were re-assessed in six months postpartum period. Demographic and obstetric data questionnaire and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used. RESULTS There was a significant difference in prevalence of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale positive between breast feeding (2.5%) and non-breast feeding mothers (19.4%) (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Infant feeding method may be related to maternal mood disorder and breast feeding mothers are less depressed. Breastfeeding may decrease PPD.