Abstract
Responsive feeding—initiating feeding in response to early hunger cues—supports the physiology of lactation and the development of infant feeding abilities, yet there is a dearth of research examining what predicts responsive feeding. In non-Western proximal care cultures, there is an association between responsive feeding and mother–infant physical contact, but this has not been investigated within Western populations. In two studies, we tested whether mother–infant physical contact predicted feeding in response to early hunger cues versus feeding on a schedule or after signs of distress among U.S. breastfeeding mothers. With an online questionnaire in Study 1 (n = 626), physical contact with infants (via co-sleeping and babywearing) predicted increased likelihood of self-reported responsive feeding. Mothers who reported responsive feeding were more likely to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, breastfeed more frequently throughout the day, and had a longer planned breastfeeding duration than mothers who reported feeding on a schedule or after signs of infant distress. In Study 2 (n = 96), a three-day feeding log showed that mother–infant physical contact predicted feeding in response to early hunger cues but mother–infant proximity (without physical contact) did not. In sum, our results demonstrate that physical contact with infants may shape breastfeeding behavior among U.S. mothers, highlighting a connection between social interaction and infant nutrition that warrants further investigation.
Highlights
Breastfeeding is internationally recognized as the optimal nutrition for infant health and development [1,2], yet most U.S mothers do not meet the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for 24 months and beyond [3,4,5]
Our first research aim was to assess whether behaviors consistent with proximal care predicted increased likelihood of reporting a responsive breastfeeding philosophy
The release of oxytocin—a neuropeptide involved in mammalian social bonds—during mother–infant physical contact may underlie the effect of physical contact on maternal responsiveness
Summary
Breastfeeding is internationally recognized as the optimal nutrition for infant health and development [1,2], yet most U.S mothers do not meet the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for 24 months and beyond [3,4,5]. Responsive feeding—initiating feeding in response to early hunger cues such as lip smacking and bringing hands to mouth—decreases breastfeeding challenges by supporting the physiology of lactation and the development of infant feeding abilities [6,7,8]. Most mothers in the U.S. report crying as the primary reason for initiating feeding, which is an indication of infant distress rather than an early cue for hunger [9]. No research to date has systematically documented the association between mother–infant physical contact and responsive feeding among U.S mothers. We use convergent methods—an online questionnaire and an at-home feeding log—to examine whether mother–infant physical contact facilitates increased responsive feeding among U.S breastfeeding mothers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
