Mediterranean Diet on Postpartum Depression

Optimal maternal nutrition and mental well-being are important for successful breastfeeding and maternal and infant health. The objective of this randomized controlled study was to evaluate the effect of a Mediterranean diet intervention on postpartum depressive symptoms in breastfeeding mothers and on infant growth. Breastfeeding mothers attending a well-child clinic for their infants' routine immunization were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Mothers who were breastfeeding an infant younger than 1 year and had an EPDS score of ≥12 were eligible for the study. A total of 60 eligible mothers were enrolled and randomized to either a Mediterranean diet intervention group or a control group. Participants were followed for 3 months.

Inclusion Criteria: Breastfeeding mothers Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥12 Having an infant younger than 1 year of age Willingness to continue breastfeeding during the study period No chronic disease in the mother or infant Exclusion Criteria: Not breastfeeding Use of psychiatric medication Presence of a metabolic disease in the infant