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Brown A, Griffin S, Weaver G, Shenker N. Receiving screened donor human milk as part of a community-based lactation support programme reduces parental symptoms of anxiety and depression. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024:e13686. [PMID: 38898718 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Infant feeding decisions and maternal mental health are closely tied. Donor human milk (DHM) protects premature infant health and development and can reduce hospital stays. Recent qualitative research has highlighted that having the option for an infant to receive DHM can also support parental wellbeing through reducing concerns about infant health and supporting feeding preferences. However, no quantitative study has examined this relationship. In this study, anxiety and depression scores were measured before and after receiving DHM using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for 80 parents (77 mothers, 3 fathers) who had sought DHM from a community-facing milk bank. Reasons for seeking DHM included maternal cancer, maternal and infant health complications, insufficient glandular tissue, and low milk supply. Open-ended questions explored the experience of receiving milk. Milk bank records were used to match details of milk given (volume, duration, exclusivity, lactation support given) with survey responses. Both anxiety and depression scores significantly reduced after receiving milk. Although greater lactation support and longer duration of milk predicted a greater decrease in scores, in a regression analysis, only volume of milk given remained a significant predictor. Almost all parents agreed that being able to access DHM supported their wellbeing predominantly through reducing anxieties around infant health but also through feeding choices being respected and the support given at difficult times. The findings add important considerations to the literature considering when and for whom DHM should be used and the complex interplay between infant feeding and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Brown
- Centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translation (LIFT), Swansea, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Sam Griffin
- The Human Milk Foundation, Victory Road, Berkhamsted, UK
| | - Gillian Weaver
- The Human Milk Foundation, Victory Road, Berkhamsted, UK
| | - Natalie Shenker
- The Human Milk Foundation, Victory Road, Berkhamsted, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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2
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Carvalho Hilje C, Bauer NH, Reis D, Kapp C, Ostermann T, Vöhler F, Längler A. The role of breastfeeding and formula feeding regarding depressive symptoms and an impaired mother child bonding. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11417. [PMID: 38763963 PMCID: PMC11102907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62168-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Associations between depressive symptoms and breastfeeding are well documented. However, evidence is lacking for subdivisions of feeding styles, namely exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive formula feeding and a mixed feeding style (breastfeeding and formula feeding). In addition, studies examining associations between mother-child-bonding and breastfeeding have yielded mixed results. The aim of this study is to provide a more profound understanding of the different feeding styles and their associations with maternal mental health and mother-child-bonding. Data from 307 women were collected longitudinally in person (prenatally) and by telephone (3 months postnatally) using validated self-report measures, and analyzed using correlational analyses, unpaired group comparisons and regression analyses. Our results from a multinomial regression analysis revealed that impaired mother-child-bonding was positively associated with mixed feeding style (p = .003) and depressive symptoms prenatal were positively associated with exclusive formula feeding (p = .013). Further studies could investigate whether information about the underlying reasons we found for mixed feeding, such as insufficient weight gain of the child or the feeling that the child is unsatiated, could help prevent impaired mother-child-bonding. Overall, the results of this study have promising new implications for research and practice, regarding at-risk populations and implications for preventive measures regarding postpartum depression and an impaired mother-child-bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Carvalho Hilje
- Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
- Professorship for Integrative Pediatrics, Institute for Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Nicola H Bauer
- Institute of Midwifery Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniela Reis
- Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany.
- Professorship for Integrative Pediatrics, Institute for Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
| | - Claudia Kapp
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Thomas Ostermann
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Franziska Vöhler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Alfred Längler
- Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
- Professorship for Integrative Pediatrics, Institute for Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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3
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Diaz-Ogallar MA, Hernandez-Martinez A, Linares-Abad M, Martinez-Galiano JM. Factors related to a disturbance in the mother-child bond and attachment. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 76:114-123. [PMID: 38377918 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Establishing an adequate bond and attachment between a mother and child is essential for preventing pathologies and developing this relationship in the future. PURPOSE To identify the factors related to a disturbance of the mother-child bond or attachment. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with women with a biological child between 6 weeks and 18 months of age. The Mother-Child Bond-Attachment Questionnaire (VAMF, for its name in Spanish) was administered to measure the bond and postnatal attachment together with a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, psychosocial, and health variables referring to the mother and the newborn. RESULTS 1114 women participated. The multivariate analysis showed that skin-to-skin contact (aOR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.90) and breastfeeding (aOR = 0.55; 95% IC: 0.35, 0.86) reduce the probability of presenting a bond disturbance. Anxiety during pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (aOR = 3.95; 95% CI: 2.57, 6.05) and postpartum complications (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.48) increase the chance of having a bond disturbance. Skin-to-skin contact (aOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.00), breastfeeding (aOR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.80,) and an older age of the infant (months) (aOR = 0.77: 95% CI: 0.72, 0.82) reduces the probability of presenting an attachment disturbance. CONCLUSIONS Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are associated with a lower probability of impaired bonding and attachment. Anxiety states during pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, and complications after childbirth increase the probability of developing a bond disorder. The older the age of the infant, the lower the frequency of having an impaired attachment. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE Identifying the factors associated with the establishment of the mother-child bond and attachment is essential for the development of prevention strategies and early identification of cases that may present alterations and avoid their consequences on the health of the mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonia Diaz-Ogallar
- Unit of Clinical Management Jodar, Andalusian Health Service, 23500 Jodar, Spain; Nursing Department, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain.
| | - Antonio Hernandez-Martinez
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Ciudad Real Faculty of Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | - Juan Miguel Martinez-Galiano
- Nursing Department, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Boekhorst MGBM, de Waal N, Smit L, Hulsbosch LP, van den Heuvel MI, Schwabe I, Pop V, Nyklíček I. A longitudinal study on the association between trait mindfulness and maternal bonding across the perinatal period. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38655861 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2342904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
AIMS/BACKGROUND The mother-to-infant is important for healthy child development. The current study focused on the association between maternal trait mindfulness and the course of maternal bonding from pregnancy to one year postpartum. DESIGN/METHODS Women participating in a prospective perinatal cohort study (n = 1003) completed online questionnaires on maternal bonding (Pre- and Post-natal Bonding Scale) at 28 weeks of pregnancy, and at 8 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postpartum. At 20 weeks of pregnancy, women completed the Three Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire - Short Form. Multilevel analyses were used to analyse 1) changes in maternal bonding over time and 2) the relationship of these changes with different facets of trait mindfulness measured once during pregnancy. Demographics, obstetrics, and depressive symptoms were controlled for. RESULTS Results showed that maternal bonding first increased from pregnancy to 8 weeks postpartum and then remained relatively stable throughout the first-year postpartum. On average, women with high scores on acting with awareness and non-judging also scored higher on maternal bonding, but demonstrated a smaller increase in maternal bonding scores over time when compared to women with medium and low scores on these mindfulness facets. Furthermore, non-reacting was also positively associated with the level of maternal bonding but was not related to the course of bonding over time. The main effects of non-reacting and non-judging were not significant after adjusting for covariates. Depressive symptoms and a high educational level were negatively associated with bonding. CONCLUSION Mindfulness-based interventions may be helpful in supporting expectant mothers who are at risk for suboptimal bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrthe G B M Boekhorst
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic Disorders (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Noor de Waal
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic Disorders (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne Smit
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic Disorders (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne P Hulsbosch
- Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | | | - Inga Schwabe
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Victor Pop
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic Disorders (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan Nyklíček
- Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic Disorders (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Turner SE, Roos L, Nickel N, Pei J, Mandhane PJ, Moraes TJ, Turvey SE, Simons E, Subbarao P, Azad MB. Examining psychosocial pathways to explain the link between breastfeeding practices and child behaviour in a longitudinal cohort. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:675. [PMID: 38439033 PMCID: PMC10910759 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breastfeeding is associated with reduced postpartum depression, stronger parent-child relationships, and fewer behavioral disorders in early childhood. We tested the mediating roles of postpartum depression and parent-child relationship in the association between breastfeeding practices and child behavior. STUDY DESIGN We used standardized questionnaire data from a subset of the CHILD Cohort Study (n = 1,573) to measure postpartum depression at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years, parent-child relationship 1 year and 2 years, and child behavior at 5 years using the Child Behavior Checklist (range 0-100). Breastfeeding practices were measured at 3 months (none, partial, some expressed, all direct at the breast), 6 months (none, partial, exclusive), 12 months, and 24 months (no, yes). Confounders included birth factors, maternal characteristics, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Breast milk feeding at 3 or 6 months was associated with - 1.13 (95% CI: -2.19-0.07) to -2.14 (95% CI: -3.46, -0.81) lower (better) child behavior scores. Reduced postpartum depression at 6 months mediated between 11.5% and 16.6% of the relationship between exclusive breast milk feeding at 3 months and better child behavior scores. Together, reduced postpartum depression at 1 year and reduced parent-child dysfunction at 2 years mediated between 21.9% and 32.1% of the relationship between breastfeeding at 12 months and better child behavior scores. CONCLUSION Postpartum depression and parent-child relationship quality partially mediate the relationship between breastfeeding practices and child behavior. Breastfeeding, as well as efforts to support parental mental health and parent-child relationships, may help to improve child behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Turner
- Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Leslie Roos
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nathan Nickel
- Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC), Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology and the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Theo J Moraes
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stuart E Turvey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elinor Simons
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Padmaja Subbarao
- Department of Pediatrics, Physiology & Dalla Lana School of Public Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meghan B Azad
- Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC), Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Nakić Radoš S, Hairston I, Handelzalts JE. The concept analysis of parent-infant bonding during pregnancy and infancy: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024; 42:142-165. [PMID: 36588501 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2022.2162487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the emerging body of literature on mother-to-infant bonding and the associated variables, there are various definitions of bonding construct. Also, there is a lack of a comprehensive conceptual framework of antecedents and consequences of bonding that would guide empirical work. OBJECTIVE Aim of the study was to provide a systematic review and synthesis of concept analysis studies on maternal-foetal, mother-infant, or father-infant bonding. METHOD A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EBSCOHost (including PsycINFO), ProQuest, and CINAHL. In addition, a hand search was conducted. Papers were eligible for inclusion if they conducted concept analyses on mother or father to foetus/infant bonding. A qualitative meta-synthesis was applied to synthesise the findings. RESULTS Eight papers on concept analyses were eligible for inclusion. In meta-synthesis, six aspects of parent-to-(unborn) child bonding emerged, including direction, domain, process, timing, endurance, and parental gender. Defining attributes are (i) a close relationship, (ii) filled with positive parental affection, (iii) manifested during pregnancy as monitoring foetal development and behaviour and after childbirth in proximity and interaction. Antecedents, affecting factors, and consequences of the parent-child bonding have been summarised. CONCLUSION Parent-infant bonding refers to an emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and neurobiological tie of the parent to the (unborn) child, as a process from intention to have a child throughout infancy. This is a parental-driven process which can continue to evolve throughout child's and parent's life, characterised as enduring, committed, and engaged. Based on meta-synthesis, a conceptual structure of parent-infant bonding has been provided, which needs further empirical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Nakić Radoš
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ilana Hairston
- Tel-Hai Academic College, Tel-Hai, Israel
- The Institute of Information Processing and Decision Making (IIPDM), Haifa University, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jonathan Eliyahu Handelzalts
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Demir E, Öz S, Aral N, Gürsoy F. A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of the Mother-To-Infant Bonding Scale. Psychol Rep 2024; 127:447-464. [PMID: 35815798 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221114413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) is among the most popular measurement tools to evaluate caregiver-infant attachment. We carried out a meta-analysis study to explore the generalizability of the reliability coefficients for the MIBS in different studies. The literature review yielded a total of 702 studies investigating caregiver-infant attachment. After removing duplicate studies, we also excluded compilations, meta-analyses, qualitative studies, those using different measurement tools, studies published in a language other than English, citations, and those whose full texts could not be accessed. Eventually, we considered a total of 26 studies with 33 Cronbach's alpha coefficients that satisfied the inclusion criteria. We normalized the alpha coefficients using Bonett's transformation, and the analyses were performed using a 95% confidence interval. The findings revealed a Cronbach's alpha (n = 33) coefficient of 0.73 (CI = 0.68-0.77); hence, the present reliability generalization study provides evidence that the reliability scores produced after measurements with the MIBS in previous studies are acceptable across samples. Overall, further studies may reliably utilize the MIBS to evaluate mother-infant attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emin Demir
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Child Development, Tarsus University, Tarsus, Turkey
| | - Sena Öz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Child Development, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Neriman Aral
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Child Development, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Figen Gürsoy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Child Development, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Delawarde-Saïas T, Mercerat C, Adamiste M, Pigeon-Gagné É, Delawarde C, Nouchi J, Comtois J, Bakhty S, Poissant J. Is there room for mothers' agency in the choice to breastfeed? A qualitative analysis of mothers' views on messages promoting breastfeeding in Quebec. Eur J Midwifery 2024; 8:EJM-8-02. [PMID: 38192878 PMCID: PMC10772811 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/174931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This exploratory cross-sectional study focuses on the experiences of mothers regarding health messages promoting breastfeeding. The objective is to describe the content and context in which messages are conveyed. METHODS A total of 944 new mothers responded to a questionnaire (15-31 January 2021) on their perception of health messages promoting breastfeeding and their feeling of agreement towards these messages, their intention to breastfeed, incentives received, and their relationship with the professionals. Frequencies were carried out for all non-textual data and textual data were analyzed using content thematic analysis. The recruitment was made through social media and snowball effect. RESULTS Most of the respondents reported wanting to breastfeed; 91% breastfed their child, 80.8% participants agreed with the messages they received, and 67.9% of respondents strongly agreeing that breastfeeding was the best choice for their child. Moreover, the content of the messages could sometimes be judgmental and coercive, leading to emotions such as guilt. Sixty-two women also reported a lack of support when they expressed their desire or their need to feed their baby in other ways (e.g. breastmilk with bottles or formulas). CONCLUSIONS The perceived issue of breastfeeding messages was not the content itself, but the way in which information was conveyed. Failure to take mothers' difficulties into account and failure to present alternatives to breastfeeding were seen as major issues by women. This study highlights the importance of rethinking the way in which information is provided by professionals, in order to reinforce the autonomy of new mothers regarding the feeding of their child.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cécile Delawarde
- Centre hospitalier de l'Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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9
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Ondrušová S. Breastfeeding and Bonding: A Surprising Role of Breastfeeding Difficulties. Breastfeed Med 2023. [PMID: 37219989 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2023.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Aims: To explore the role of breastfeeding difficulties in bonding. Background: Studies published to date yielded varying results regarding the relationship between breastfeeding and bonding. In qualitative studies, mothers often describe breastfeeding as a bonding experience and regard breastfeeding difficulties as challenging. Only one quantitative study explored the impact of breastfeeding difficulties on bonding. Methods: A cross-sectional method was used and a self-report questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of mothers with infants aged 0-6 months. Results: We found that having problem-free breastfeeding versus breastfeeding associated with breastfeeding difficulties led to a difference in bonding quality. Experiencing any breastfeeding difficulties was associated with bonding impairment (p = 0.000, r = 0.174), especially in cases of breast engorgement (p = 0.016, r = 0.094), a nonlatching baby (p = 0.000, r = 0.179), perceived low milk supply (p = 0.004, r = 0.112), and fussing at the breast (p = 0.000, r = 0.215). We also found a difference in bonding impairment between exclusively breastfeeding and exclusively bottle-feeding mothers (p = 0.001), but only when taking into account breastfeeding difficulties. Conclusions: Breastfeeding is a complex interaction that can be associated with mother-infant bonding in various ways. We found that breastfeeding difficulties were linked to bonding impairment, whereas exclusive breastfeeding without the presence of breastfeeding difficulties was not. Strategies to help achieve exclusive breastfeeding and prevent and resolve breastfeeding difficulties may help mothers fulfill the bonding potential with their infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soňa Ondrušová
- Department of Psychology, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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10
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Strahm AM, Mitchell AM, Pan X, Christian LM. Repetitive negative thinking during pregnancy and postpartum: Associations with mental health, inflammation, and breastfeeding. J Affect Disord 2022; 319:497-506. [PMID: 36162689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a transdiagnostic feature that predicts increased mental health risks, inflammation, and reduced engagement in health promoting behaviors. Depression, anxiety, stress, inflammation, higher body mass index (BMI), and low engagement in health behaviors are associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy as well as postpartum. However, there is limited literature on the associations between RNT and these contributing factors in the perinatal period, an at-risk time during which women may benefit from clinical interventions directed at RNT. METHODS This study examined the contribution of RNT to inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6] and breastfeeding duration through mediating indicators of mental health and BMI. Behavioral and biological assessments occurred during late pregnancy as well as at 4-6 weeks, 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months postpartum. RESULTS RNT was positively associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress (ps ≤ .001) at each assessment timepoint, with the strongest associations observed at the pregnancy assessment and significant, but attenuated, associations during postpartum (ps < .01). In modeling of the association between RNT and IL-6, the indirect effect of BMI was significant at each timepoint (95%CIs 0.0013, 0.0052). Women with lower RNT exhibited longer breastfeeding duration (p = .02). These effects were not significantly mediated by mental health indicators. CONCLUSIONS Clinically meaningful relationships, in which RNT predicts mental health, inflammation, and health behavior engagement during pregnancy and postpartum were observed. Clinical interventions to reduce RNT may have unique benefits this time. LIMITATIONS Further research is warranted to determine if therapies to reduce RNT confer unique benefits for maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Strahm
- Behavioral Sciences, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
| | - Amanda M Mitchell
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, College of Education, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Xueliang Pan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lisa M Christian
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; The Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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King LS, Salo VC, Kujawa A, Humphreys KL. Advancing the RDoC initiative through the assessment of caregiver social processes. Dev Psychopathol 2021; 33:1648-1664. [PMID: 34311802 PMCID: PMC8792111 DOI: 10.1017/s095457942100064x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The relationships infants and young children have with their caregivers are fundamental to their survival and well-being. Theorists and researchers across disciplines have attempted to describe and assess the variation in these relationships, leading to a general acceptance that caregiving is critical to understanding child functioning, including developmental psychopathology. At the same time, we lack consensus on how to assess these fundamental relationships. In the present paper, we first review research documenting the importance of the caregiver-child relationship in understanding environmental risk for psychopathology. Second, we propose that the National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative provides a useful framework for extending the study of children's risk for psychopathology by assessing their caregivers' social processes. Third, we describe the units of analysis for caregiver social processes, documenting how the specific subconstructs in the domain of social processes are relevant to the goal of enhancing knowledge of developmental psychopathology. Lastly, we highlight how past research can inform new directions in the study of caregiving and the parent-child relationship through this innovative extension of the RDoC initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy S King
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Virginia C Salo
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Autumn Kujawa
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kathryn L Humphreys
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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