Effect of Co-parenting on the Prevention of Postpartum Blues and Quality of Breast Milk: A Literature Review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Breast milk is the best food and nutrition for a baby’s development and also provides natural immunity; hence, the World Health Organization and the Indonesian Ministry of Health recommend exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months. The quality and duration of breastfeeding are very important, but there are several influencing factors such as maternal self-efficacy, fatigue, techniques, and life partner. Meanwhile, co-parenting is the right method in maintaining the continuity and quality of breastfeeding. AIM: This study aims to explore literature related to co-parenting and its relation to postpartum blues in improving the quality of breast milk. METHODS: A literature search was carried out using three databases, namely, PubMed (n = 28), ScienceDirect (n = 22), ProQuest (n = 108) and the results were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria in line with PRISMA guidelines in five articles. RESULTS: The screening obtained five articles written in the past 10 years, English, full text, and with open access for review. Of the five articles that we reviewed, all of them support co-parenting in preventing postpartum and quality of breast milk, several studies that we reviewed found that co-parenting supports the improvement and process of breastfeeding in mothers. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, co-parenting is the right method to improve the quality and sustainability of breast milk to prevent the occurrence of postpartum blues; hence, it is recommended to be implemented.