Abstract: This paper summarized the current status of perinatal depression. It reviewed the different stages of depression of perinatal period including prenatal depression and postpartum depression, and their impacts on exclusive breastfeeding in terms of physiology, psychology and behavior aspects. It is expected to provide information for obstetric nurses to understand the impacts of depression on exclusive breastfeeding, carry out early intervention and enhance maternal and infant health.

Key words: perinatal depression; antenatal depression; postpartum depression; exclusive breastfeeding; review