Mother-infant interaction and breastfeeding outcome 6 weeks after birth

This study explored the relationship of early postpartum maternal-infant interactions to breastfeeding outcome at 6 weeks postpartum.

Prospective, comparative descriptive study.

Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program and Comprehensive Perinatal Services Programs in northern California.

Forty-two Latina participants were recruited in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Eligibility criteria included age 18 years or older, primiparous at recruitment, antepartum desire to breastfeed 8 weeks or longer postpartum, planned hospital birth, full-term vaginal birth of a healthy newborn, and an uncomplicated, immediate postpartum course for mother and newborn, including being discharged together.

The study examined breastfeeding dyads' early postpartum scores on Barnard's Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale (NCAFS) in relation to breastfeeding outcome 6 weeks postpartum. NCAFS tests were performed 28-90 hours postpartum in the participants' homes, and breastfeeding status was assessed by phone contact 6 weeks postpartum.

Dyads continuing to breastfeed at 6 weeks postpartum had significantly higher early postpartum NCAFS scores than did dyads who had weaned from the breast by 6 weeks postpartum.

Optimal maternal-infant interactions, as evidenced by higher scores on Barnard's NCAFS, were related to longer breastfeeding duration. Lower scores on the NCAFS, suggesting difficulties in maternal-infant interaction, were related to weaning earlier than planned.