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

ABSTRACT 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.