The Maternal Attachment Inventory: Development and validation of a short form

The Relationship Between Infant Feeding Practices and Child's Behavior: The Mediating Role of Maternal Attachment

This cross-sectional study examined the associations of both infant feeding practices (i.e., breast, formula, or mixed feeding) and breastfeeding duration with child behavior, and examined the mediating role of maternal attachment on these associations. Child behavior was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and maternal attachment was assessed with the Maternal Attachment Inventory, short form. We undertook a series of simple mediation analyses to assess the role of maternal attachment in the association of feeding practices and breastfeeding duration with behavior. In total, 610 mothers took part in the study. Mediation analyses found that maternal attachment mediated the relationship of both infant feeding practices and breastfeeding duration with behavioral problems and prosocial behavior in children. The indirect effects of feeding practices and breastfeeding duration were significant and negative for behavioral problems, but significant and positive for prosocial behavior. The direct effect was only significant in the relationship between feeding practices and the child's prosocial behavior. Findings suggest that breastfeeding and breastfeeding duration influence maternal attachment and indirectly reduce behavioral problems and increase prosocial behavior in children.

A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of the Mother-To-Infant Bonding Scale

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.

Breastfeeding and the quality of the sibling relationship

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between the type of breastfeeding practiced and the quality of the sibling relationship.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHOD

Participants were recruited between July and December 2019 through parenting associations and parenting support groups. They comprised a total of 149 mothers with two children between 2 and 7 years of age, who had practiced the same type of feeding with both children. Sibling relationship quality was assessed using the conflict/rivalry and warmth dimensions of the Parents' Expectations and Perceptions of Sibling Relationships with their Children (PEPC-SRQ) questionnaire. Analyses of covariance were used to identify any differences in these two dimensions of the PEPC-SRQ between the study groups (formula feeding, breastfeeding, non-prolonged breastfeeding, prolonged breastfeeding and tandem breastfeeding).

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between any of the groups regarding the conflict/rivalry dimension; in contrast, significant differences were found in the warmth dimension between the breastfeeding and formula feeding groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Breastfeeding, regardless of its duration and simultaneity, was associated with higher scores in the dimension of warmth of the sibling relationship.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This information should be considered by healthcare professionals when providing advice on breastfeeding.