Bridging Hearts and Nurturing Bonds: A Holistic Exploration of Postpartum Depression, Social Support, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy among Women in Gujarat, India

Abstract

Abstract Background Postpartum depression and breastfeeding practices are interlinked maternal health issues requiring greater attention in India. Objectives This study examined associations between postpartum depression, social support, breastfeeding attitudes, and self-efficacy among postpartum women in Gujarat, India. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 400 postpartum women were recruited from a tertiary hospital. Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Social support, breastfeeding attitudes, and self-efficacy were measured using validated scales. Logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictors of probable depression. Results The prevalence of probable postpartum depression was 28% (112/400). Lower socioeconomic status (upper lower class AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.5) and lower social support (per 1 unit increase AOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94–0.99) were significant independent risk factors for probable depression in multivariate modeling. There were negative correlations between depression scores and social support (r=-0.35, p < 0.001), breastfeeding attitudes (r=-0.21, p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (r=-0.42, p < 0.001). Social support and breastfeeding attitudes showed positive correlations with breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.61 and r = 0.33 respectively, p < 0.001) Conclusion The key findings indicate lower socioeconomic status and social support as major risk factors for postpartum depression among women in Gujarat. Routine psychosocial assessment and support are recommended in postnatal care. Social support and positive attitudes may enable higher breastfeeding self-efficacy. The results highlight the need for targeted interventions to address depression and improve breastfeeding practices.