Postpartum Depression and its Effects on Mother-Child Bond and Breastfeeding Practices among Women attending Rural Tertiary care Hospital in Vadodara, Western India

Background Post-partum depression (PPD) is a critical public health concern associated with multiple risk factors. However, its effects on maternal–child bonding and breastfeeding practices remain inadequately explored in the Indian context. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of postpartum depression, identify associated factors, and examine its effects on mother–infant bonding and breastfeeding practices among women attending a rural tertiary care hospital for postnatal care. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of infants aged 7 days to 12 months attending a tertiary care institution. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), post-partum bonding questionnaire (PPBQ), and self-constructed demographic questionnaire were employed to gather data. Data were entered, cleaned, coded, and analyzed using SPSS. Logistic regression analysis was performed and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results With an EPDS cut-off of ≥ 10, the prevalence of PPD was 16.9% (95% CI: 18–27). Factors such as urban residence (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 0.49–3.85), low socio-economic status (OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 0.66–8.57), female child (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.65–3.86), and multiparity (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 0.61–3.71) were associated with a higher likelihood of PPD. Mothers screening positive for PPD demonstrated significantly higher anxiety related to childcare (p = 0.004) and impaired mother–infant bonding (p < 0.001). Conclusion A considerable prevalence of postpartum depression was observed, with significant associations with impaired maternal bonding and suboptimal breastfeeding practices. Given the postnatal period is stressful, integrating routine screening, follow-up, and counselling for postpartum depression into existing postnatal care services is recommended.