The role of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the relationship between perinatal depressive symptoms and exclusive breastfeeding: a longitudinal mediation analysis
Mothers with perinatal depressive symptoms may face challenges in exclusive breastfeeding due to reduced breastfeeding self-efficacy. While increasing exclusive breastfeeding might help reduce depressive symptoms over time, this positive effect can be hindered if breastfeeding self-efficacy remains low. Our findings highlight breastfeeding self-efficacy as a critical target for future interventions.
Authors
- Gui Xiao
- Mengjia Zhou
- Chunxiang Qin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7780-7249)
- Shuya Feng
- Li Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2566-7357)
- Yu Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3474-422X)
- Ying Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4795-2610)
- Xingxing Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4675-2518)
Institutions
- Central South University (CN)
- Jishou University (CN)
- Third Xiangya Hospital (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Published
- 2025-03-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07481-8
- Citations
- 7
- Primary Topic
- Breastfeeding Practices and Influences
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 9.48
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Key Research and Development Program of Hunan Province of China
- Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities of the Central South University