The effects of mothers’ babies feeding practices on postpartum depression

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of the baby feeding practices of mothers on their postpartum depression.Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive and correlational study. The population of the study consisted of mothers with 1-24-month-old babies registered at a Family Health Center. The data of the study were collected by using a questionnaire form and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.Results: The mean EPDS score of the mothers was 8.48±5.74, and it was determined that there was a risk of postpartum depression in 18.8%. Postpartum depression risk rate in the mothers who fed their babies with formula and additional food was significantly higher than those who fed their babies with breast milk only and those who fed their babies with breast milk and formula/additional food.Conclusion: The results of the study showed that breast milk has a positive effect in preventing postpartum depression.