Maternal anxiety, infant feeding and appetite V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of maternal anxiety on acute infant feeding outcomes and perceptions of infant appetitive behaviours.
IRAS ID
142674
Contact name
Kate Bennett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Research summary
This research aims to examine the impact of maternal anxiety on infant feeding outcomes and maternal perceptions of infant appetite. The health benefits of breastfeeding are well recognised, however, rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the UK are still very low (less than 1%) which indicates the presence of factors creating barriers to the most health promoting infant feeding practices. Both pre and postnatal anxiety have well known health consequences for both mother and infant. However, there is little research examining maternal anxiety in relation to infant feeding across the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. In recent years, much of the focus has been placed on maternal depression despite evidence suggesting that anxiety is actually more prevalent in this period. Available research indicates that anxiety may be associated with a reduced likelihood of breastfeeding but further research is warranted. This study will help to identify what is needed to further promote recommended infant feeding practices and support maternal mental health. We are aiming to recruit pregnant women over the age of 18 in the last trimester of their first pregnancy. The study will involve 30 women taking part in three semi-structured interviews which will assess their views and experiences of maternal anxiety and infant feeding (one antenatally and two postnatally). These interviews can be conducted in the participants homes, local children’s centres or via telephone/video calling as specified as most convenient by the participant. It is anticipated that the views and experiences of these women will lead to the planning of further research examining maternal anxiety and infant feeding in the first postpartum year.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0031
Date of REC Opinion
11 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion