SynthesisBMC pregnancy and childbirth2024
Breastfeeding experiences of women with perinatal mental health problems: a systematic review and thematic synthesis.
Synthesis in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed.
- Zuranolone in Postpartum Depression: Mechanistic Innovation, Clinical Evidence, and Translational Uncertainty.Cureus · 2026Review
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations for anti-racist, equity-focused NICU family mental health.Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association · 2026Review
- Toward Authentic Resources Among Mothers: Impact of Cyberchondria on Maternal Self-Efficacy and Breastfeeding Competency.Maternal & child nutrition · 2026Article
- Factors influencing breastfeeding failure in mothers with hepatitis B infection: a qualitative study.Frontiers in nutrition · 2026Article
- Breastfeeding Measurement - How Do We Define and Measure Breastfeeding Cessation Across Scientific Disciplines?Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association · 2025Article
- When Your Body Tells You to Not Breastfeed-The Connivance of Oxytocin, Prolactin, and Dopamine.International journal of molecular sciences · 2025Review
- Effect of obsessive compulsive behavior and breastfeeding self-efficacy on maternal satisfaction in the postpartum period: a case-control study.BMC pregnancy and childbirth · 2025Article
- The Effectiveness of Neuro-linguistic Programming Intervention in Enhancing Breast Milk Production, Reducing Stress Levels, and Improving Emotional Wellbeing among Breastfeeding Mothers: Quasi-experimental Study.Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery researchArticle
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundDespite its known benefits, breastfeeding rates among mothers with perinatal mental health conditions are staggeringly low. Systematic evidence on experiences of breastfeeding among women with perinatal mental health conditions is limited. This systematic review was designed to synthesise existing literature on breastfeeding experiences of women with a wide range of perinatal mental health conditions.
methodsA systematic search of five databases was carried out considering published qualitative research between 2003 and November 2021. Two reviewers conducted study selection, data extraction and critical appraisal of included studies independently and data were synthesised thematically.
resultsSeventeen articles were included in this review. These included a variety of perinatal mental health conditions (e.g., postnatal depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, previous severe mental illnesses, eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders). The emerging themes and subthemes included: (1) Vulnerabilities: Expectations versus reality; Self-perception as a mother; Isolation. (2) Positive outcomes: Bonding and closeness; Sense of achievement. (3) Challenges: Striving for control; Inconsistent advice and lack of support; Concerns over medication safety; and Perceived impact on milk quality and supply.
conclusionsPositive breastfeeding experiences of mothers with perinatal mental health conditions can mediate positive outcomes such as enhanced mother/infant bonding, increased self-esteem, and a perceived potential for healing. Alternatively, a lack of consistent support and advice from healthcare professionals, particularly around health concerns and medication safety, can lead to feelings of confusion, negatively impact breastfeeding choices, and potentially aggravate perinatal mental health symptoms. Appropriate support, adequate breastfeeding education, and clear advice, particularly around medication safety, are required to improve breastfeeding experiences for women with varied perinatal mental health conditions.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.