Assessing the Association Between Stressful Life Events, Hormonal Dysregulation, and Postpartum Depression Among Lactating Latina Mothers: A Pilot Study

Study Objective: The purpose of the funded study is to determine a) examine associations among OT levels, stress, trauma history, PPD, and lactation failure in the full 60-subject sample and assess whether there are differences between immigrant women and non-immigrant Latina women on these measures; b) quantify whether there is a correlation between ACTH, cortisol, and PPD and whether there are differences between immigrant and non-immigrant Latina women; and c) assess the feasibility of enrolling Latinas into a laboratory-based study that includes the collection of venous blood for measurement of oxytocin, ACTH, and cortisol.

Research Aims: 1) To examine associations among OT levels, stress, trauma history, PPD, and lactation failure in the full 60-subject sample and assess whether there are differences between immigrant women and non-immigrant Latina women on these measures; 2) To quantify whether there is a correlation between ACTH, cortisol, and PPD and whether there are differences between immigrant and non-immigrant Latina women; 3) To assess the feasibility of enrolling Latinas into a laboratory-based study that includes the collection of venous blood for measurement of oxytocin, ACTH, and cortisol; and 4) Assess the performance of the Spanish language protocol and measures to identify barriers to implementation and address needed modifications prior to large-scale implementation.

Subjects: Sixty prenatal (34 to 37 weeks) Latinas (30 immigrants and 30 U.S.-born) who are between the ages of 18 and 45 will be enrolled. Women with a singleton pregnancy who are Latina, who intend to breastfeed for more than 2 months, who have or do not have a history of depression, and who are willing to be followed for 8 weeks after delivery will be enrolled in the study. Latinas who report maternal or infant disorder that may interfere with breastfeeding; those who endorse substance use, and/or who have or have had a psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychosis or serious personality disorders) other than depression or anxiety will be excluded to minimize risk and confounds with the outcomes of interest.

Methods: There will be four study-time points: prenatal visit, 4- and 12-weeks postpartum phone interviews, and one laboratory visit at 8-weeks postpartum. Participants will be compensating after each interview.

Prenatal Visit: We will collect demographic information; assess depression and anxiety status, as well as breastfeeding intention. During the prenatal visit we will also inquire about acculturation and everyday stressors. English and Spanish validated measures will be used.