The association between loneliness in Chinese primiparas and breastfeeding duration

Purpose This study aimed to explore whether loneliness in Chinese primiparas was associated with reduced breastfeeding duration, and further to explore the endocrine mechanisms. Methods The Chinese primiparas were assessed loneliness by Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA) within 7–14 days postpartum. According to the scores of R-UCLA, the subjects were divided into three groups: no loneliness group (n = 162), a low loneliness group (n = 65) and a high loneliness group (n = 40). The Postpartum Breastfeeding Questionnaire were filled to record breastfeeding duration. The expression level of serum prolactin and cortisol were measured. Results The time and rate of breastfeeding initiation within 3 days postpartum and the frequencies of exclusive breastfeeding at 15,30, 90 days postpartum were the worst in Chinese primiparas with high loneliness. The probability of cumulative 90- and 180-day exclusive breastfeeding were the lowest in Chinese primiparas with high loneliness. The probability of cumulative 90- and 180-day exclusive breastfeeding both decreased with the increase in the scores of loneliness Scale. Compared with the primiparas in no loneliness group and low loneliness group, there were the highest expression level of serum cortisol and the lowest expression level of serum prolactin in the primiparas of high loneliness group at 3,15 and 45 day postpartum, respectively. Conclusion Loneliness in primipara during lactation may increase the risk of no breastfeeding or non-exclusive breastfeeding.