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Associations Between Feeding Problems and Maternal Sensitivity Across Infancy: Differences in Very Preterm and

Ayten Bilgin1, Dieter Wolke

  • 1*Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; †Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.

Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|July 11, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Maternal sensitivity impacts infant feeding differently in very preterm/very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) and full-term (FT) infants. VP/VLBW infants with feeding issues show reduced maternal sensitivity, while FT infants exhibit a reciprocal relationship over time.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neonatal Care
  • Maternal-Infant Bonding

Background:

  • Infant feeding problems are common, particularly in very preterm/very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) infants.
  • Maternal sensitivity is crucial for infant development and well-being.
  • Understanding the interplay between maternal sensitivity and feeding issues is vital for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the longitudinal influence of maternal sensitivity on infant feeding problems.
  • To compare these associations in very preterm/very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) infants versus full-term (FT) infants.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study involving 178 infants (73 VP/VLBW, 105 FT).
  • Assessment of feeding problems and maternal sensitivity at term, 3 months, and 18 months corrected age.
  • Utilized a cross-lagged path model to analyze longitudinal associations.

Main Results:

  • VP/VLBW infants with feeding problems at term and 3 months showed decreased maternal sensitivity at 3 and 18 months, respectively.
  • Full-term (FT) infants displayed a reciprocal relationship: feeding problems predicted lower maternal sensitivity, and lower maternal sensitivity predicted more feeding problems over time.

Conclusions:

  • Feeding problems in VP/VLBW infants are linked to subsequent reductions in maternal sensitivity.
  • In FT infants, maternal sensitivity and feeding problems influence each other reciprocally over time.
  • These findings highlight the need for tailored support for mothers and infants based on prematurity status.
Abstract

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