The Relationship of Type of Delivery and Infant Feeding with Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that، in addition to physical and psychological effects on the mother، has devastating effects on the other family members، especially in their relationships with the infant. This study was intended to examine the role of delivery type، infant feeding، and other related variables on the occurrence of postpartum depression. The mothers were selected among referries of health center affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences، through cluster sampling. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale، and analysis was performed through SPSS/16، using correlation coefficient and chi square and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that 50. 8 % of 195 mothers were depressed. Type of delivery، type of infant feeding، maternal age and unwanted pregnancy had a significant contribution in predicting postpartum depression. Based on the results، advising about planning to pregnancy، age of pregnancy، proper choice of delivery and breastfeeding، and after delivery، giving information about symptoms of this disorder and its treatment is necessary.