Challenges, supports, and postpartum mental health symptoms among non-breastfeeding mothers

Abstract

Women face a high degree of pressure to breastfeed. However, some women are not able to breastfeed, or choose not to. Few studies have examined the experiences of non-breastfeeding mothers, including their challenges, supports, and mental health sequelae. We sought to identify women's experiences with breastfeeding, specifically their reasons for not breastfeeding, challenges faced, and supports received, and the association between breastfeeding and postpartum mental health. Self-identified postpartum women (N = 70) completed a questionnaire investigating perinatal health. Open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic analysis and quantitative measures were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Qualitative analysis identified two main themes reflecting reasons for not breastfeeding (maternal factors and infant factors) and three primary challenges associated with not breastfeeding (emotional health, physical health, and perceived lack of support). Authors identified two main themes categorizing non-breastfeeding mothers' experiences with support (sources of support and type of support). A MANOVA revealed significantly greater levels of distress, anxiety, and depression, and lower levels of social support, among non-breastfeeding, relative to breastfeeding mothers. Findings reveal limitations in the availability of information and resources for non-breastfeeding mothers. It is possible that the pressure women may experience regarding breastfeeding may contribute to increased psychological distress for mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed. Based on our findings, future research and applied action should target the development and evaluation of informational resources and supports for non-breastfeeding women.

Keywords: Anxiety; Breastfeeding; Depression; Postpartum; Support.