Madalina Ruxandra Costin, Diana Taut, Adriana Baban, Thea Ionescu, Aja Murray, Carene Lindsay, Eugen Secara, Fahad Abbasi, Isaac Sarfo Acheampong, Laura Katus, Yen Luong Thanh, Sandra Concepcion Layla S Hernandez, Shobhavi Randeny, Stefani Du Toit, Sara Valdebenito, Manuel P Eisner
Background: Previous research shows that 61% of children younger than 6 months in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not exclusively breastfed. Although data on the role of pre- and postnatal depression on breastfeeding exclusivity is mixed, fetomaternal attachment might foster breastfeeding exclusivity. Thus, we tested the potential mediating role of fetomaternal attachment and postnatal depression in the relationship between maternal prenatal depression and exclusive breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: Data were collected as part of a prospective, cross-cultural project, Evidence for Better Lives Study, which enrolled 1208 expectant mothers, in their third trimester of pregnancy across eight sites, from LMICs...
November 23, 2023: Journal of Women's Health