Perinatal psychiatric symptoms and the continuum of breastfeeding in a University Hospital population of minoritized women

Background and Objectives: Reduced rates for breastfeeding remain an important health disparity in minoritized communities. This study examines the influence of perinatal psychiatric symptoms in an urban population of minoritized women on plans, initiation, and continuation of breastfeeding. Methods: Minoritized pregnant women ≥ 18 years old completed the “My Mood Monitor (M-3)” psychiatric screening tool and breastfeeding questionnaires in three phases: (I) the second trimester of pregnancy ( plans to breastfeed), (II) post-delivery ( initiation of breastfeeding) and (III) post-partum ( continuation of breastfeeding). Data was analyzed to establish the relationship of breastfeeding to any positive M-3 screen) with maternal demographics and at these three corresponding time points. Results: The only maternal demographic that showed a significant association (*p0.02) with any positive M3 was early entry into prenatal care (≤12 weeks). Although 86.3% of the cohort intended to breastfeed in phase I, 76.1 % initiated breastfeeding at phase II and only 43.4 % of the retained cohort continued breastfeeding in phase III. In phase I, there was no statistical difference between mothers who screened negative versus those with ANY POSITIVE M-3 screenings (p = 0.684). At phase II, there was an apparent association (p = 0.065) between mothers with ANY POSITIVE M-3 screening. Positive screening for psychiatric symptoms was associated with lower rates of breastfeeding continuation (p = 0.014) in phase III. Anxiety was significantly associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding (p = 0.019). Conclusion : Further research is needed for screening and early diagnoses of perinatal anxiety, especially following delivery in urban minoritized women.