Breastfeeding Duration and Early Parenting Behaviour: The Importance of an Infant-Led, Responsive Style

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083893
• Publication Date: 2014-02-12T21:42:46Z
• Authors: Amy Brown; Bronia Arnott
• Keywords: Infant feeding; Odds; Parenting styles; Affect

Background Popular parenting literature promotes different approaches to caring for infants, based around variations in the use of parent-led routines and promoting infant independence. However, there is little empirical evidence how these early behaviours affect wider choices such as feeding. Breastfeeding often requires an infant-led approach, feeding on demand allowing regulate intake whilst conversely formula open greater caregiver manipulation. The style associated with breastfeeding may therefore be at odds philosophies that encourage strict routine aim this study was explore association between duration. Methods Five hundred eight mothers aged 0–12 months completed a questionnaire examining duration, attitudes surrounding (e.g. anxiety, routine, involvement, nurturance discipline). Participants were attendees baby groups or participants online forums UK. Results Formula birth short duration significantly low levels nurturance, high reported anxiety increased maternal Parent-led routines. Conversely approach characterised by responding following cues longer Discussion Maternal desire follow structured which purports demands independence have negative impact upon Increased further influence relationship. findings important implications Health Professionals supporting new during pregnancy postpartum period.