A study published in February 2014 looked at how early parenting behaviours might affect infant feeding. Five hundred and eight mothers with an infant aged 0-12 months completed a questionnaire examining breastfeeding duration, and attitudes and behaviours surrounding early parenting. Some of the things considered were anxiety, use of routine, involvement, nurturance and discipline. The participants were attendees at baby groups or belonged to online UK parenting forums.
Early parenting behaviour and breastfeeding duration
The researchers, Dr A. Brown of the Department of Public Health and Policy Studies, Swansea University, Swansea, and Dr B. Arnott of the Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham wanted to explore the association between early parenting behaviours and breastfeeding duration.
They noted that while popular parenting literature promotes different approaches to caring for infants, with variations in the use of parent-led routines and promoting infant independence, there is little empirical evidence of how these early behaviours affect wider parenting choices such as infant feeding.
Breastfeeding often needs an infant-led approach, allowing the baby to regulate its own intake by feeding whenever he/she needs to. Formula feeding is often open to greater organisation by the caregiver. The researchers wanted to look at if the infant-led style associated with breastfeeding is at odds with philosophies that encourage strict use of routine and independence.
The Results
The researchers found that formula use at birth or short breastfeeding duration were significantly associated with less feeds, high levels of reported anxiety and increased maternal use of parent-led routines. Conversely an infant-led approach, where the infant’s cues were responded to and followed, was associated with longer breastfeeding duration.
Supporting new mothers
The study suggests that maternal desire to follow structured parenting approach, using parent-led routines and early demands for infant independence may have a negative impact upon breastfeeding duration. The breastfeeding relationship may also be influenced by increased maternal anxiety.
The researchers suggest that the findings have important implications for Health Professionals supporting new mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period to signpost where extra support may be needed.
Looking at what helps in the early days of breastfeeding
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, La Leche League International explains how a newborn baby has been used to being fed continuously through the umbilical cord and so is biologically hardwired to expect frequent feedings. It’s normal and the amount of new milk created depends on how much has been taken out. Milk removal is especially important during the first two to three weeks as this is when the milk production capability is established. The more milk removed in the first few weeks the easier it is to produce milk.
If milk production is limited in the early weeks it doesn’t mean breastfeeding will not work, but it will be harder. Limiting feeds and trying to establish a routine in the early days could lead to a lack of confidence in breastfeeding and anxiety about the milk supply, followed by cessation of breastfeeding after a short time.
What about a schedule?
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding points out that the mothers of long ago had jobs to do and food to prepare, and no safe place to keep the baby except at their side. Babies slept on their mothers’ backs, and as there were no clocks schedules didn’t happen. Mothers today have busy lives too and can learn with their babies to fit naps and feedings around whatever else needs to happen.
Trying to follow an actual schedule can make things more complicated and spacing out nursings to suit a clock jeopardises a milk supply. Babies are flexible and during the first few months they might fall into a rhythm, but it probably won’t be something to set a watch by. Some days a baby will want to eat all day, others s/he may sleep more. There will be fussy days, busy days and lazy days. Over time a baby will fall in with changing plans but there will still be a certain amount of unpredictability. This can be a positive thing as breastfed babies are often very adaptable.
One mother said “We have a routine, but we don’t have a schedule. A schedule would mean naps at a certain time. A routine means we usually have a bath after supper”.
Support network
The study on infant behaviour concluded that support from health professionals could be a great help to women in the early days of breastfeeding. LLL agrees that having a support network in place is so important. Having people in your life who will support you, understand and listen to your concerns, and offer positive breastfeeding information can really help if early anxiety occurs. Going along to a La Leche League meeting before the birth or knowing where you can find support can make all the different to a woman’s confidence in how she mothers her baby. You can find your nearest group on our website .