Breastfeeding and maternal sensitivity predict early infant temperament
Wibke Jonas1,2, Leslie Atkinson3, Meir Steiner4,5
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 3, 2015
Summary
Breastfeeding at three months postpartum was linked to improved infant temperament by 18 months, mediated by maternal sensitivity, especially in mothers with higher anxiety. This suggests breastfeeding positively influences early infant development.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Maternal-Infant Health
Background:
- The association between breastfeeding and infant temperament remains unclear.
- Maternal anxiety and sensitivity may influence the mother-infant relationship and infant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the link between breastfeeding at three months postpartum and infant temperament at 18 months postpartum.
- To investigate if maternal anxiety and sensitivity mediate this association.
Main Methods:
- 170 mothers assessed for breastfeeding and anxiety (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) at 3 months postpartum.
- Maternal sensitivity (Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale) assessed at 6 months postpartum.
- Infant temperament (Early Childhood Behaviour Questionnaire) assessed at 18 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum was associated with increased maternal sensitivity at 6 months postpartum.
- Maternal sensitivity predicted reduced negative affectivity in infant temperament at 18 months postpartum.
- This mediation was significant for mothers with higher anxiety (STAI score ≥33.56).
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding and maternal sensitivity may positively impact early infant temperament development.
- The findings highlight the role of maternal psychological factors in the breastfeeding-infant temperament relationship.
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