Improvement of the breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum mental health after lactation consultations – Observational study. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chrzan-Dętkoś, Magdalena; Walczak-Kozłowska, Tamara; Pietkiewicz, Agnieszka; Żołnowska, Joanna
• Is Part Of: Midwifery. Volume 94(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: breastfeeding -- mental health -- lactation consultations -- postnatal care -- breastfeeding self-efficacy; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Sages-femmes -- Périodiques; Midwifery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.2005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2020.102905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-6138

Abstract

Highlights: 47, 9% of mothers resumed exclusive breastfeeding after lactation consultations. Increased in breastfeeding rates in mixed feeding was observed one month after lactation consultations. Women seeking breastfeeding support exhibit increased mental health difficulties. Breastfeeding self-efficacy is negatively correlated with the severity of mental health difficulties. Lactation consultations contribute to the improvement of the breastfeeding self-efficacy as well as maternal mental health. Abstract: Objective : Maternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding may be undermined by common mental health difficulties in the postpartum, leading to an early breastfeeding cessation. The relationship may also be the opposite: problems with effective breastfeeding and breastfeeding cessation may increase the postpartum mental health difficulties. The purpose of this study was the assessment of the effectiveness of lactation consultations in strengthening the breastfeeding self-efficacy and maternal postpartum mental health. Design and participants : 160 Polish women (90 consultation participants and 70 controls) completed a structured interview, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale twice: before lactation consultation and one month later. Setting : Research was conducted in the city of Gdańsk, Poland. Findings : Study revealed that women seeking lactation support exhibited greater mental health difficulties while their breastfeeding self-efficacy was similar to the control group. Initial breastfeeding self-efficacy was negatively correlated with the severity of the postpartum mental health problems. One month after lactation consultations, a significant increase in the breastfeeding self-efficacy and significantly reduced symptoms of mental health difficulties (somatic symptoms, functional disorders, and anxiety and insomnia) were observed among mothers. Key conclusions: Women willing to benefit from the lactation consultations may exhibit symptoms of mental health difficulties that may be associated with difficulties in breastfeeding. Strengthening the breastfeeding confidence during lactation consultations, may reflect in the improvement of the woman's mental health. Implications for practice : Midwives and lactation consultants can make a difference in the mental health promotion by offering breastfeeding interventions which address the emotional needs of a mother.