Associations Between Breastfeeding and Mother–Infant Relationships: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding has been associated to an improved mother–child bond, although this link is lacking the sufficient empirical support.

Aims: The aims of this study were to carry out a systematic review as a continuation to the one by Jansen et al., and to clarify the link between breastfeeding and mother–infant relationships.

Materials and Methods: Data sources: A search was conducted using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL (2008–2018), using both free text words and subject headings. Additional hand-searching was performed. Study selection: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework guided (the reporting of) the study selection and data extraction. Eligible articles were subsequently selected by title, abstract, and full text review. Data extraction: Data regarding study setting, participants, breastfeeding, mother–infant relationships, and outcome measures were extracted in a systematic way.

Results of Data Synthesis: Ultimately, 13 articles were included. Most studies were conducted in Europe (46.15%) and were nonexperimental studies (92.3%). Eight studies were longitudinal, using between two and five assessment time points. The instruments used to assess the bond between mother and child showed great variability. From the studies, 8 (61.5%) employed self-report measures and four assessed maternal perception. Others used open-ended questions regarding the maternal lactation process or about the mother's activity while breastfeeding. Other measures used were maternal perception of her baby and personality variables associated to breastfeeding. Five articles studied the bond using external observations of the interactions between mother–child. The quality of the studies (Medical Education Research Studies Quality Instrument [MERSQI]) was overall fair to good.

Conclusion: It is complicated to extract generalizable results because of the conceptual and instrumental variability of the mother–child relationship. This association is complex and the way in which breastfeeding is carried out would appear to be a decisive factor, influenced in turn by additional variables that should also be taken into account. The relationship indicators most frequently associated to breastfeeding are maternal sensitivity and secure attachment.