Breastfeeding duration predicts greater maternal sensitivity over the next decade
Jennifer M Weaver1, Thomas J Schofield2, Lauren M Papp3
1Department of Psychological Science, Boise State University.
Developmental Psychology
|October 31, 2017
Summary
Longer breastfeeding duration positively impacts maternal sensitivity for up to a decade. Infant attachment security did not mediate this long-term effect in this study.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Maternal-Child Health
- Longitudinal Studies
Background:
- Breastfeeding benefits are well-documented, but long-term effects on maternal sensitivity remain less understood.
- Previous research has primarily focused on short-term impacts, leaving a gap in knowledge regarding extended maternal-child dyadic interactions.
- Understanding these prolonged effects is crucial for evidence-based parenting and public health recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally investigate the impact of breastfeeding duration on maternal sensitivity over a ten-year period.
- To examine if infant attachment security at 24 months mediates the relationship between breastfeeding duration and changes in maternal sensitivity.
- To provide a deeper understanding of breastfeeding's influence on the mother-child dyad beyond infancy.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of 1,272 families from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development.
- Assessment of breastfeeding duration up to age 3.
- Measurement of maternal sensitivity observed over time until child age 11.
- Statistical control for covariates including maternal neuroticism, parenting attitudes, ethnicity, education, and partner presence.
Main Results:
- Longer breastfeeding duration was associated with increased observed maternal sensitivity up to child age 11.
- This association remained significant after controlling for multiple maternal and demographic factors.
- Secure infant attachment at 24 months was predicted by breastfeeding duration but did not mediate the breastfeeding-sensitivity link.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding duration has a lasting positive effect on maternal sensitivity, extending well beyond infancy.
- Infant attachment security does not appear to be the mechanism through which breastfeeding duration influences long-term maternal sensitivity.
- Findings support the importance of promoting breastfeeding for sustained maternal-child relationship quality.
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