Table 3 Considerations regarding the relationship between mental health disparities and breastfeeding in the NICU [81, 90, 91, 189,190,191].
Key factors | Suggested research question |
|---|---|
Depressive and anxiety symptoms linked to lower breastfeeding initiation and early cessation | How do prenatal and postpartum mental health conditions impact breastfeeding initiation and duration? |
Early initiation and longer breastfeeding duration associated with improved mental health outcomes | Can interventions that support breastfeeding improve maternal mental health outcomes in populations intending to breastfeed? |
Inability to breastfeed NICU infants leads to parental feelings of loss and grief | What mental health interventions are most effective for NICU parents experiencing breastfeeding challenges? |
Racial disparities in breastfeeding rates (e.g., lower rates among NHB individuals compared to NHW and Latina) | What structural factors contribute to racial disparities in breastfeeding rates and outcomes? |
Lower breastfeeding rates among individuals with low SES | How do socioeconomic factors influence access to breastfeeding resources and support systems? |
Inadequate institutional and service support for breastfeeding | How does access to breastfeeding-friendly healthcare and community services affect breastfeeding duration and success? |
Lack of equitable policies that support breastfeeding and breast milk provision (e.g., paid parental leave, lactation breaks in the workplace, insurance coverage and provision of effective breast pumps) | How do family support policies (e.g., paid parental leave) impact breastfeeding equity across racial and socioeconomic lines? |
