THE ESSENTIAL
- A Finnish study reveals that women who are afraid of giving birth tend to breastfeed for less time.
- This link was observed regardless of the type of birth that took place.
- For researchers, targeted support should be offered to mothers with risk factors, in order to encourage breastfeeding.
Although future mothers are surrounded by health and pregnancy professionals, childbirth remains a source of fear and anxiety. This fear, which is called tocophobia for the most serious forms, seems to have an impact beyond the birth of the baby.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have found that fear of childbirth is linked to shorter breastfeeding duration.
Childbirth: women who are afraid breastfeed for less time
For this study presented in the journal Breastfeeding Medicinethe team analyzed the files of 2,521 women who had given birth at the University Hospital of Kuopio (Finland) between 2013 and 2014. These mothers had answered questionnaires on their health, maternity and well-being during pregnancy as well as their baby’s 1st year.
Data analysis shows that 98% of Finnish participants had started breastfeeding during their child’s first week. Three out of four mothers had breastfed for at least six months. The researchers have also observed a link, never spotted until now.
“Among mothers who feared childbirth, the duration of breastfeeding, whether exclusively with their own milk or supplemented with formula, was three times more likely to be shorter than recommended”explains Maija Vasanen, first author of the study, in a press release. This association was significant regardless of the type of delivery (natural or cesarean).
Breastfeeding: support based on risk factors
During their work, the scientists also discovered that twin pregnancy, maternal overweight and obesity, high blood pressure and smoking were also associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding. Other factors could also play a role: if the mother is young, if it is a first birth, single parenthood or even a lower level of education.
Given the benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother, researchers believe that targeted support should be offered to mothers with known risk factors. “In the future, breastfeeding advice from health professionals should also target mothers who are afraid of childbirth, as well as other groups who may have difficulty initiating breastfeeding.”adds Professor Leea Keski-Nisula, lead author of the study.
