A mixed-methods dataset on maternal reported experiences of breastfeeding difficulties and mental health in the UK

TL;DR

This paper presents survey data from 2010 UK mothers on breastfeeding difficulties and their impact on mental health.

Contribution

The study provides a mixed-methods dataset linking breastfeeding challenges to maternal mental health outcomes.

Findings

Breastfeeding difficulties were reported by a significant proportion of participants.

There is a notable association between breastfeeding challenges and mental health symptoms.

The dataset includes both qualitative and quantitative insights for further analysis.

Abstract

Here we provide information on data from an online survey, conducted in October 2023, of 2010 UK-based participants who gave birth to their first child within the past decade. Participants must have given their first-born child breastmilk at any timepoint, which could have been directly from the breast or expressed milk. The survey included questions on demographic characteristics, experiences of breastfeeding and any breastfeeding difficulties, the impact of breastfeeding difficulties on lifestyle and mental health, as well as information on perinatal and current depression and anxiety symptoms. The data set includes both qualitative and quantitative responses. Current and in-depth information on links between breastfeeding difficulties and maternal mental health are needed to formulate recommendations to policy makers and support groups. Additionally, this information will be useful for identifying prevention/intervention targets to both support the maintenance of breastfeeding and maternal mental health in the postnatal period.

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