Keywords
breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding exclusivity, maternal stressors, pregnancy, maternal/infant mortality
Document Type
Research Studies
Abstract
Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding increases the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding, which can be linked to improving both the mother’s and infant’s health. However, breastfeeding rates in Mississippi continue to be one of the lowest in the United States, with infant mortality and morbidity rates at the highest. Purpose: This study aims to explore the impact SLEs may have on initiating breastfeeding, as research is limited. Methods: Analyzed data from 2016 to 2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) was used to determine a correlation between life stressor experiences during pregnancy and initiation of exclusive breastfeeding with a sample size of n=6192. Results: The study found higher self-reported breastfeeding initiation rates among women identified as white and other races, married, insured, more educated, older, and in higher-income households. Over 70% of women reported at least one SLE during pregnancy. After controlling for maternal characteristics, women with any stressful life event (OR=1.31, p=0.003) were more likely to initiate breastfeeding, specifically, women with financial stress during pregnancy (OR=1.19, p=0.033) and women who experienced the death of someone close to them (OR=1.22, p=0.0370). Conclusion: Recommendations include tailoring prenatal visits by screening for stressful life events to identify barriers associated with breastfeeding initiation.
Recommended Citation
Garbo, C.,
Hall, K. C.,
Jhaveri, D.,
Lee, J. S.,
Howington, D.,
Qobadi, M.,
&
Wesley, M.
(). The Relationship Between Prenatal Stressful Life Events and Breastfeeding Initiation Among Mississippi Mothers.
Journal of Public Health in the Deep South, 5(2), 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55533/2996-6833.1108