Patterns of Infant Feeding, the Mother-Infant Interaction and Stress Management

Feeding behavior and the concomitant mother-infant interactions form core experiences in an infant’s early life. This paper discusses the hypothesis that patterns of infant feeding and related early experiences provide a foundation for stress management. Breastfeeding, by the nature of the process, virtually guarantees appropriate mother-infant interactions. It is possible that breast-feeding may provide both infants (Table 2.1) and their mothers (Table 2.2) with other behavioral and physiological advantages that are only now becoming apparent. Table 2.1 Functions of Nursing: The Infant's Perspective

Nutrition

Immunities

Growth modulation

Protection

Temperature regulation

Birth spacing

Access to mother

Emotional development

Intellectual development?

Stress management

Table 2.2 Functions of Nursing: The Mother's Perspective

Reproduction and genetic immortality

Contraception and birth spacing

Temperature and weight regulation

Stress management

Emotional satisfaction