A comparison between late preterm and term infants on breastfeeding and maternal mental health

Matern Child Health J. 2013 Oct;17(8):1468-77. doi: 10.1007/s10995-012-1153-1.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare breastfeeding, postpartum mental health, and health service utilization between a group of late preterm (LP) maternal infant pairs and term counterparts. Data was drawn from a prospective community-based cohort in Calgary, Alberta. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. LP infants were more likely to have had a longer median length of stay after birth (P < 0.001) and a higher re-hospitalization rate at 4-months (P < 0.001) compared to term infants. Mothers of LP infants were more likely to report immediate breastfeeding difficulties (P < 0.001) and earlier cessation of breastfeeding at 4-months postpartum (P = 0.008). Multivariable analyses revealed that LP status was an independent risk factor for excessive symptoms of maternal anxiety (OR = 2.07; 95 % CI = 1.08,3.98), but not for depression, stress, or low parenting morale. LP infants and their families are a vulnerable population with unique developmental trajectories. Further longitudinal research is required.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alberta / epidemiology
  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • Breast Feeding / statistics & numerical data*
  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression, Postpartum / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Male
  • Maternal Welfare / psychology*
  • Mental Health
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Mothers / statistics & numerical data
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Postpartum Period
  • Premature Birth*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Term Birth*