Mother-Infant Bed-sharing Is Associated with Increased Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Infant Sleep Safety

Background:

• Bed-sharing, defined as an infant sleeping on the same surface as a caregiver, is a common practice among postpartum mothers.
• Understanding the relationship between bed-sharing and breastfeeding is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at supporting infant nutrition and maternal-infant bonding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing research on the association between bed-sharing and breastfeeding behaviors in infants aged 0-12 months.
• To synthesize findings from quantitative and mixed-methods studies published between 1993 and 2022.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review was conducted adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Studies were assessed for quality using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining bed-sharing as an independent variable and breastfeeding as a dependent variable.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 11 longitudinal and 13 cross-sectional designs.
• A significant positive association between bed-sharing and breastfeeding was found in 73% of longitudinal studies and 69% of cross-sectional studies.
• No significant association was found between bed-sharing and breastfeeding in U.S. African American women.

Conclusions:

• Bed-sharing is positively associated with increased breastfeeding duration and exclusivity for the majority of postpartum women.
• Healthcare providers should educate mothers on safe bed-sharing practices as a potential strategy to promote breastfeeding.
• Culturally sensitive approaches are needed to address breastfeeding support for diverse populations, including U.S. African American women.