Maternal and Neonatal Hair Cortisol Levels and Psychological Stress Are Associated With Onset of Secretory Activation of Human Milk Production.

BACKGROUND

Several factors can influence the production of mothers' own milk.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of maternal psychological stress, maternal cortisol levels, and neonatal hair cortisol levels on timing of secretory activation.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted at 2 public health centers in Andalusia, Spain. Participants were 60 pregnant women and their 60 neonates. Hair cortisol levels and psychological stress (pregnancy-specific stress [Prenatal Distress Questionnaire, PDQ] and perceived stress [Perceived Stress Scale, PSS]) were evaluated during the third trimester and the postpartum period. This study was part of the GESTASTRESS cohort study on the effects of stress during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Higher PDQ and PSS scores (P < .05) in the third trimester were associated with later onset of secretory activation. Higher postpartum maternal hair cortisol levels were associated with a delayed secretory activation of mother's own milk (P < .05).

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future studies should look at the influence of psychological stress and cortisol levels on hormones involved in mother's own milk production.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Neonatal nurses and other healthcare providers should be familiar with levels of neonates' exposure to maternal prenatal stress prior to birth.