Women's Health · 7 authors, 6 centres
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This cross-sectional qualitative study used semi-structured interviews at 2 weeks postpartum with 24 mothers in Kisumu County, Kenya, screened with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Mothers with features suggestive of postnatal depression experienced particular feeding difficulties attributed to perceived insufficient breastmilk and were more likely to introduce complementary feeds, while social support from friends and relatives mitigated caregiving challenges.
All participants were screened for features suggestive of postnatal depression (PND) using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, with 13 of 24 mothers having features suggestive of PND. All mothers experienced health or socio-economic adversities in the perinatal period, including traumatic deliveries, financial constraints, and relationship difficulties. Feeding difficulties due to perceived insufficient breastmilk were particularly pronounced among mothers with PND features, who were more likely to introduce complementary feeds. Maternal caregiving capacity was influenced by competing household duties, which was harder for mothers with PND features. Support from friends and relatives positively impacted maternal mood and caregiving ability. Limitations include the study being conducted during COVID-19 pandemic visitor restrictions, exclusion of male partners and other household decision-makers, and exclusion of adolescent mothers.
