Breastfeeding and maternal attachment during infancy period among Jordanian mothers: A cross-sectional study.

aimsThe aim of the current study was to examine the following hypotheses: 1. Mothers who breastfeed their infants from 2 to 12 months of age or who use a mixed-feeding method after birth will demonstrate greater attachment toward their infants than mothers who only formula-feed their infants, as measured by the Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI). 2. A difference in maternal attachment levels will be observed between mothers who exclusively formula-feed their infants and those who exclusively breastfeed their infants from 2 to 12 months of age, as measured by the MAI inventory, controlling for infant temperament.

methodA cross-sectional, descriptive, comparative method was applied in different healthcare centers in Jordan from May 2016 to August 2016 in which the MAI inventory was employed to assess 258 Arabic-speaking mothers. One-way analysis of variance was used to detect the differences in maternal attachment between mothers using different feeding methods.

resultsThe findings showed significant differences in maternal attachment between exclusive breastfeeding and exclusive formula-feeding mothers, and mixed-feeding mothers at 2 months (F = 24.36, P < .01). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in maternal attachment between the breastfeeding and the formula-feeding group (F = 24.358, p < .05) after holding temperament constant.

conclusionThe results of this current study may help to clarify one role of breastfeeding in shaping a mother's attachment. Healthcare providers need to understand the influences of these variables on maternal attachment and attachment to empower young mothers and counsel them appropriately.