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Multicenter Study
. 2021 Jun;119(3):162-169.
doi: 10.5546/aap.2021.eng.162.

Breast milk production and emotional state in mothers of very low birth weight infants

[Article in English, Spanish]
Francisca Wormald  1 , José L Tapia  2 , Angélica Domínguez  3 , Paula Cánepa  4 , Ángela Miranda  2 , Gabriela Torres  5 , Diana Rodríguez  6 , Leila Acha  7 , Rosanna Fonseca  8 , Natalia Ovalle  9 , M Luisa Anchorena  10 , Max Danner  11 ; NEOCOSUR Network
Affiliations
Free article
Multicenter Study

Breast milk production and emotional state in mothers of very low birth weight infants

[Article in English, Spanish]
Francisca Wormald et al. Arch Argent Pediatr. 2021 Jun.
Free article

Abstract
in English, Spanish

Introduction: There is little evidence regarding the influence of emotional variables on breastfeeding among mothers of very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). The objective of this study was to measure breast milk production (BMP) at two points in time during neonatal hospitalization and its association with anxiety, depression, and breastfeeding self-efficacy levels among mothers of VLBWIs.

Population and methos: Prospective, observational, and multicenter study in mothers of VLBWIs (500-1500 g) from 9 NEOCOSUR Network centers. BMP was obtained by measuring the amount extracted by each mother. The STAI scale was used for anxiety, the BDI scale for depression, and the ALMA pilot scale for selfefficacy. They were administered at 14 days of life and at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age. The biosocial characteristics of mothers and neonates were also recorded.

Results: A total of 118 mothers participated. Mean BMP was 169 mL (standard deviation [SD]: ± 132.4) at 14 days and 285 mL (SD: ± 266.9) at 36 weeks, and it was significantly associated with the perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy (p < 0.001), which was maintained during hospitalization. There was a lower production trend among mothers with higher depression indices at 14 days of life, but not at 36 weeks. No association was observed between BMP and anxiety. No consistently significant associations were observed with biosocial variables.

Conclusion: BMP was positively associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy; no association was observed with anxiety and depression among mothers of VLBWIs.

Introducción. Existe poca evidencia de la influencia de variables emocionales en la lactancia de madres de recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacer (RNMBPN). El objetivo de este estudio fue medir la producción de leche materna (PLM) en dos momentos de la internación neonatal y su asociación con los niveles de ansiedad, depresión y autoeficacia en lactancia en madres de RNMBPN. Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, multicéntrico en madres de RNMBPN (500-1500 g), en 9 centros de la Red NEOCOSUR. La PLM se obtuvo midiendo lo extraído por cada madre. Se utilizaron las escalas STAI para ansiedad, BDI para depresión, y, la escala piloto ALMA para autoeficacia. Estas fueron aplicadas a los 14 días de vida y a las 36 semanas posmenstruales. Se registraron, además, las características biosociales de madres y neonatos. Resultados. Participaron 118 madres. La PLM media a los 14 días fue de 169 ml (desvío estándar –DE– ± 132,4) y de 285 ml (DE ± 266,9) a las 36 semanas, y se asoció significativamente con percepción de autoeficacia en lactancia (p < 0,001), que se mantuvo durante la hospitalización. Existió una tendencia a menor producción en madres con mayores índices de depresión a los 14 días de vida de su hijo, pero no a las 36 semanas. No se encontró asociación entre PLM y ansiedad. No se encontraron asociaciones consistentemente significativas con variables biosociales. Conclusión. La PLM se asoció positivamente con autoeficacia en lactancia; no se encontró asociación con ansiedad y depresión en madres de RNMBPN.

Keywords: anxiety; breastfeeding; depression; preterm newborn infant; self-efficacy.

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Conflict of interest statement

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References

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