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Improving perinatal mental health outcomes: The role of support in assisting breastfeeding experiences following birth trauma
Abigail Wheeler 
,
Fay Sweeting ,
Andrew Mayers,
Amy Brown ,
Shanti Farrington
,
Fay Sweeting ,
Andrew Mayers,
Amy Brown ,
Shanti Farrington
Midwifery, Volume: 152, Start page: 104668
Swansea University Author:
Amy Brown
-
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© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CC BY license.
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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.midw.2025.104668
Abstract
Background: Experiencing any traumatic event can have long lasting impacts on mental health. In the context of childbirth, a traumatic experience could directly or indirectly impact a mother’s ability to successfully breastfeed and affect her long-term mental health. Being able to breastfeed success...
| Published in: | Midwifery |
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| ISSN: | 0266-6138 |
| Published: |
Elsevier BV
2026
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71560 |
| Abstract: |
Background: Experiencing any traumatic event can have long lasting impacts on mental health. In the context of childbirth, a traumatic experience could directly or indirectly impact a mother’s ability to successfully breastfeed and affect her long-term mental health. Being able to breastfeed successfully is known to improve mental health outcomes for mothers. Aim: To explore how self-reported birth-related trauma symptoms affect breastfeeding and the role of support in shaping these experiences, to inform trauma-informed breastfeeding support services. Methods: A convenience sample of 93 mothers responded to this study and took part in an online survey. Qualitative questions were used to explore participants’ breastfeeding experiences, whether they felt a traumatic birth had contributed to this experience, and what support they received to subsequently breastfeed. Participants also completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, or PCL-5 as part of the online survey, which is a standardised screening tool used in the assessment of PTSD symptoms. Participants who self-reported a traumatic birth and scored 32 or above on the PCL-5 were analysed further (N = 50). Findings: Results showed that mothers had both positive and negative experiences of healthcare staff support with breastfeeding. Positive support, such as encouragement and advice from healthcare staff, was shown to be beneficial after birth trauma, enabling mothers to heal and recover from their experiences and supported bonding with their infant. Negative experiences, such as pressure from healthcare staff or challenges when breastfeeding, were reported to have had a detrimental perceived impact on mental health outcomes, leading mothers to seek further breastfeeding and wellbeing support following a traumatic birth. Conclusion: Trauma-informed breastfeeding support is required to enable more positive mental health outcomes of mothers, following a traumatic birth. |
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| Keywords: |
Breast feeding; Psychological trauma; Stress disorders; Post-traumatic; Perinatal care |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
This research was not supported by any external funding. |
| Start Page: |
104668 |