HPA axis dysregulation and postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms in breastfeeding vs bottle-feeding parents.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of perinatal mood disorders. Further, HPA axis response is known to be blunted during breastfeeding. We hypothesized that 1) postpartum depression/anxiety symptoms would be associated with HPA axis dysregulation, indexed by loss of expected adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-cortisol coupling, and 2) this association would vary by method of infant feeding.

Methods

Participants (N=222) intending to breastfeed were recruited in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy. During a lab visit at 2 months postpartum, depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed (Beck Depression Inventory score ≥14 and/or Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score ≥40). Participants then breast or

SUBMITTER: Bruce KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11830542 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature