Primary intersubjectivity, early interaction and breastfeeding experience: maternal satisfaction and depressive onset as risk factors in infant development

In our study we observed 33 first-time mothers from pregnancy (3rd trimester) to 3 months after childbirth. We selected the sample from a larger sample of an Italian population attending prenatal courses in Florence area. Women were primiparous, with a stable partner relationship, they didn’t report previous psychiatric disorders, their pregnancy was without risks factors and the babies were born at the expected date in good health. During pregnancy we assessed the mothers’ mood state, couple relationship satisfaction, life-time psychiatric disorders and a questionnaire about their social support network. After childbirth we investigated mood state and administered a brief interview on the context of the maternity experience, including breastfeeding practice, and we video recorded a 5-minutes interaction with the infant according to Murray’s method (GRS). Analyses revealed that mothers without signs of depression in pregnancy also maintained low levels of depression postpartum and they showed good "sensitivity" towards the baby. These mothers were also more satisfied with their couple relationship, they reported more satisfaction with breastfeeding their babies and they continued to breastfeed. On the other hand, mothers who showed mild postpartum depression were less sensitive towards their baby and they reported problems with breastfeeding. Babies of mothers who experienced less satisfaction with breastfeeding were less lively during the video interaction in comparison with babies of mothers who experienced satisfaction, confirming the emotional benefits of breastfeeding and more baby centered attitudes in breastfeeding mothers, when they were supported by their partner and social network.

Keywords: Breastfeeding, depression, perinatal, child development

Vania Valoriani, Serena Vaiani, maria Gabriella Ferrari, Intersoggettività primaria, interazione precoce ed esperienza di allattamento: soddisfazione materna ed esordio depressivo come fattori di rischio per lo sviluppo infantile in "CHILD DEVELOPMENT & DISABILITIES - SAGGI" 3/2009, pp 72-95, DOI: 10.3280/CDD2009-003004