Relationship between Child Care Exhaustion and Breastfeeding Type at Two and Six Months in a Cohort of 1210 Japanese Mothers

This study investigated whether parenting stress is associated with breastfeeding type (exclusive or partial). Between 2014 and 2019, we recruited 1210 healthy mothers (mean age, 31.2 years; 65%, multiparity) from 73 obstetric institutions across all prefectures of Japan. Among these, 1120 mothers at two months and 1035 mothers at six months were investigated for parenting stress and breastfeeding type: exclusive versus otherwise (partial). Parenting stress was measured by a validated Japanese scale consisting of childcare exhaustion, worry about child’s development, and no partner support. Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was 75% at two and 78% at six months. The total scores for childcare exhaustion and worry about child development were statistically higher in the partial breastfeeding group than in the exclusive breastfeeding group at two months but not at six months. A logistic regression model demonstrated that childcare exhaustion was significantly associated with an increased risk of having partial breastfeeding at two months after adjusting for the maternal Body Mass Index, parity, and baby’s current weight. However, the association was no longer significant at six months. The present study suggests that intervention for parenting stress at two months postpartum may promote prolonged exclusive breastfeeding.