Postpartum maternal function and parenting stress: Comparison by feeding methods

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Psychology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Parenting stress and maternal functioning are critical during the postpartum period.
• Infant feeding method is a significant factor influencing maternal well-being.
• Understanding these relationships is vital for supporting new mothers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between infant feeding methods and maternal functioning.
• To examine parenting stress levels in primiparous mothers based on feeding choices.
• To analyze these factors over the first six months postpartum.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study of 1120 Japanese primiparous mothers.
• Data collected at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum via questionnaires.
• Assessed feeding method, maternal fatigue (Postnatal Accumulated Fatigue Scale), and parenting stress (Parenting Stress Short-Form Scale).

Main Results:

• Exclusive breastfeeding mothers fed more frequently with shorter sleep-to-feeding times.
• Mixed and formula-feeding mothers reported increased fatigue and parenting stress, particularly at 1 and 2 months.
• Formula-feeding mothers experienced higher stress at 6 months postpartum.
• Mothers frequently altered feeding methods, with many exclusively breastfeeding by 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Infant feeding method significantly influences maternal functioning and parenting stress.
• Early postpartum period shows distinct differences in stress levels based on feeding choices.
• Support strategies may need to consider the impact of feeding methods on maternal mental health.