Birth Experiences, Breastfeeding, and the Mother-Child Relationship: Evidence from a Large Sample of Mothers

Abstract

Background It is a priority for public health professionals to improve global breastfeeding rates, which have remained low in Western countries for more than a decade. Few researchers have addressed how maternal perceptions of birth experiences affect infant feeding methods. Furthermore, mixed results have been shown in research regarding breastfeeding and mother-child bonding, and many studies are limited by small sample sizes, representing a need for further investigation. Purpose We aimed to examine the relationship between subjective birth experiences and breastfeeding outcomes, and explored whether breastfeeding affected mother-infant bonding. Methods 3,080 mothers up to three years postpartum completed a cross – sectional survey. Results Mothers who had more positive birth experiences were more likely to report breastfeeding their babies. Moreover, mothers who perceived their birth as more positive were more likely to breastfeed their child for a longer period (over 9 months) than those who had more negative experiences. In line with recent research, breastfeeding behaviours were not associated with reported mother-infant bonding. Conclusions Mothers who reported better birth experiences were most likely to breastfeed, and breastfeed for longer. We find no evidence to suggest that feeding methods are associated with bonding outcomes.

Women's experiences of breastfeeding after a cesarean section: A meta‐synthesis

“…Davis and Sclafani (2022) reported that childbirth experience affects breastfeeding practice and duration. Negative birth experiences were identified as a risk factor for unsuccessful breastfeeding (Davis & Sclafani, 2022).…”

“…In addition, an integrative review of 26 studies by Coates et al (2019) revealed that a large minority of women had negative experiences with their C-section deliveries. Davis and Sclafani (2022) reported that childbirth experience affects breastfeeding practice and duration. Negative birth experiences were identified as a risk factor for unsuccessful breastfeeding (Davis & Sclafani, 2022).…”

Verletzte Geburtsintegrität während der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland: Erfahrungen von Gebärenden mit der geburtshilflichen Versorgung

“…Eine Verletzung der Geburtsintegrität liegt vor, wenn die Frau sich nicht ernst genommen und nicht würdevoll behandelt fühlt, geburtshilfliche Entscheidungen ohne ihre ausdrückliche Zustimmung erfolgen [ 17 ] oder sie emotionale, verbale oder körperliche Grenzüberschreitungen bis hin zu Gewalt erfährt [ 18 , 19 ]. Mögliche Folgen von verletzter Integrität reichen von „Geburtstrauma“ mit posttraumatischen Stresssymptomen [ 20 , 21 ] über postpartale Depressionen [ 22 ] bis hin zu einer verringerten Bindung zwischen Mutter und Kind [ 23 ] und einer verminderten Wahrscheinlichkeit des Stillens [ 24 ].…”

Quality of health care around the time of childbirth during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study in Norway and trends over time

“…Studies have found that a negative birth experience is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, shorter periods of breastfeeding, and women choosing to have fewer subsequent children. [13][14][15] According to women who gave birth during the pandemic, the most intrusive change of procedure as a consequence of the pandemic was to restrict the access of a companion of choice for women during latent labor and the postpartum period. 11 A better understanding of how women perceived giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical for recognition of the importance of service user views and to build knowledge on how the impact of the restrictive measures influenced one of the most vulnerable and important periods of human life.…”

“…These findings are of concern since negative childbirth experiences can severely impact the future health and well‐being of mothers and their newborns. Studies have found that a negative birth experience is associated with post‐traumatic stress disorder, shorter periods of breastfeeding, and women choosing to have fewer subsequent children 13–15 . According to women who gave birth during the pandemic, the most intrusive change of procedure as a consequence of the pandemic was to restrict the access of a companion of choice for women during latent labor and the postpartum period 11 …”