Effects of Postpartum Anxiety on Breastfeeding and Infant Health Among Taiwanese Women: a Longitudinal Study

This is a prospective, longitudinal and observational study designed to investigate the trajectories of postpartum anxiety and its determinants in the first year after childbirth. This study also examine the associations between postpartum anxiety and infant health outcome, including breastfeeding patterns, excessive crying and body weight growth. Primipara aged 20-49 with term baby will be invited. Demographics, maternal-newborn characteristics, and anxiety symptoms will be collected during the first week postpartum (T1). Questionnaires will be follow-up by mail and telephone reminder in 1 (T2), 3 (T3), 6 (T4) and 12 months (T5) postpartum. The primary outcome is postpartum anxiety using the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); the secondary outcomes are infant health outcomes including breastfeeding patterns, excessive crying and body weight growth. A linear mixed model (LMM) is used to determine the trajectories of postpartum anxiety over time and to examine whether specific demographic and maternal characteristics predict the trajectories of postpartum anxiety. The key findings may contribute to promote early identification and secondary preventive interventions for women with postpartum anxiety.