Effects of Early Parent Training on Mother-Infant Feeding Interactions
Globus, I.; Latzer, Y.; Pshetatzki, O.; Shani Levi, C.; Shaoul, R.; Elad, I.; Rozen, G.S.
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Jdbp 40(2): 131-138
2019
ISSN/ISBN: 1536-7312 PMID: 30335648 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000625Document Number: 232832
This study examined whether professional behavioral and nutritional training for first-time mothers can improve feeding interaction at age 12 months. Participants were 128 mother-infant dyads: 86 in the intervention group and 42 in the control group. The mean mothers' age was 30 years (±2.6). The intervention group received Mother-Infant Feeding Interaction (MI-FI) training: 4 weekly workshops for mothers when infants were aged 4 to 6 months old, followed by internet-based support by a dietitian and social worker until infants reached age 12 months. The control group received municipal well-baby clinic's standard mother-infant support. We assessed the mothers' tolerance to ambiguity and feeding-related reports. Blinded coders evaluated videotaped home mealtime interactions (age 12 months) using the Chatoor Feeding Scale (CFS). Significant intergroup differences emerged in mealtime interactions for 4 of the 5 CFS dimensions: dyadic conflict (MI-FI = 4.69 vs control = 8.38), talk and distraction (3.75 vs 4.90), struggle for control (2.30 vs 4.88), and maternal noncontingency (1.61 vs 2.75). Findings indicated significantly more positive mother-infant mealtime interactions and maternal responses to infant cues in the MI-FI group than in the control group. Very early maternal training may support the development of more positive mother-infant feeding interactions. This may contribute to preserved internal hunger and satiety cues and improved eating habits.