Exploratory study of bed-sharing and maternal-infant bonding
Edwin A Mitchell1, B Lynne Hutchison1, John Md Thompson1
1Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|January 28, 2015
Summary
Bed-sharing with infants is linked to poorer maternal-infant bonding, contrary to popular belief. Mothers who bed-share reported more irritation and less bonding with their babies.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Health
- Maternal-Infant Psychology
Background:
- Bed-sharing is a controversial infant sleep practice.
- Concerns exist regarding sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).
- Potential benefits like enhanced breastfeeding and bonding are postulated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between bed-sharing and maternal-infant bonding.
- To investigate the relationship between infant sleep practices and bonding outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire was sent to 400 mothers of infants aged 6 weeks to 4 months.
- Mothers reported on bed-sharing frequency (last night, usually, last 2 weeks).
- Maternal-infant bonding was assessed using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- 172 mothers responded (43% response rate).
- 9% of mothers showed impaired maternal-infant bonding.
- Infants of mothers with impaired bonding were more likely to bed-share and less likely to use pacifiers or breastfeed.
Conclusions:
- An inverse association was found between bed-sharing and maternal-infant bonding.
- Findings contradict the belief that bed-sharing enhances bonding.
- Bed-sharing mothers reported higher levels of annoyance with their infants.
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