Breastfeeding is known to provide many benefits for both mothers and babies. One commonly touted benefit is that breastfeeding leads to a closer bond between mother and child. But is this really true? Do breastfed babies actually have a closer connection to their mothers than formula-fed infants? Let’s take a look at what the research says.
The Bonding Theory Behind Breastfeeding
The idea that breastfeeding leads to increased mother-infant bonding makes intuitive sense. Breastfeeding requires regular, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. The oxytocin released during nursing encourages feelings of love and connection. So it’s easy to see how breastfeeding could strengthen the mother-child relationship.
Additionally, some attachment parenting advocates argue that breastfeeding helps babies feel more secure because it allows them to be in constant close contact with their mothers. Formula-feeding requires separation that could undermine the mother-child bond.
Studies Comparing Bonding in Breastfed and Formula-Fed Babies
There are a number of studies that have directly compared mother-infant bonding and relationship quality in breastfed versus formula-fed babies. The evidence is mixed, with some studies showing a bonding benefit for breastfeeding and others showing no difference.
One study followed 80 mother-infant pairs for the baby’s first year of life. Mothers completed questionnaires about bonding and infant temperament at 1, 4, and 12 months. The study found that exclusively breastfed infants displayed less distressed behavior and had higher bonding scores at 4 and 12 months compared to formula-fed babies.[1]
However, other studies have failed to find a difference in mother-child bonding between breastfed and formula-fed infants. One looked at 45 mother-baby pairs and assessed bonding at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months postpartum using self-report surveys. There were no significant differences in reported mother-infant attachment based on feeding method.[2]
Another study followed 164 mothers from birth through 12 months postpartum. Assessments of maternal bonding, infant temperament, and the mother-child relationship showed no notable differences between breastfed and formula-fed groups at any timepoint.[3]
Other Factors That Influence Bonding
While some research indicates breastfeeding may promote bonding, there are many other factors that shape the mother-child relationship. These include:[4]
- Maternal mental health
- Postpartum depression
- Infant temperament
- Mother’s sensitivity and responsiveness
- Family support
- Mother’s relationship satisfaction
- Mother’s childhood attachment experiences
These variables likely play a bigger role in mother-infant bonding than breastfeeding alone. For example, a responsive, loving formula-feeding mom is likely to have a stronger bond with her baby than a breastfeeding mom struggling with postpartum depression and lack of support.
Do Babies Bond Differently with Breastfeeding Mothers?
Even if breastfeeding doesn’t always increase bonding, some research indicates it may qualitatively change the mother-child relationship. A breastfeeding mother and her nursling interact frequently and develop their own special rhythm. The oxytocin released while nursing promotes feelings of calmness and love.
So while bonding levels may be similar for breastfed and bottle-fed babies, some believe the relational dynamics are unique with breastfeeding. More research is still needed in this area.
Breastfeeding and Bonding Beyond Infancy
Most studies on breastfeeding and bonding focus on the first year after birth. But a few have looked at potential long-term impacts. One study followed children from birth through age 13. At age 13, girls who had been breastfed for at least 6 months showed higher levels of bonding and closeness with their mothers compared to formula-fed girls or those breastfed for shorter durations.[5]
More longitudinal research is required to determine if breastfeeding can yield lasting bonding benefits as children grow.
The Bottom Line
While breastfeeding has many evidence-based benefits for mothers and babies, its impact on the mother-child bond is less clear. Some studies have found a positive effect of breastfeeding on bonding, while others show no difference compared to formula-feeding. Many factors shape the parent-child relationship, so breastfeeding status may not be the most critical one.
Current research seems to suggest:
- Any bonding differences in infancy are likely small and influenced by other variables.
- Breastfeeding may change the relational dynamics between mom and baby in subtle ways.
- Potential bonding benefits may last into childhood for some breastfed children.
Overall, moms should be reassured that a loving, responsive parenting style is far more important for bonding than breastmilk alone. While breastfeeding offers many benefits, formula-feeding parents can also build strong, close relationships with their little ones through affectionate caregiving.
Common Questions About Breastfeeding and Bonding
Do formula-fed babies bond with mom?
Yes, formula-fed babies develop normal, healthy bonds with their mothers. While some studies find small bonding differences favoring breastfeeding, factors like maternal mental health, family support, and sensitive parenting play a much bigger role in attachment. With a loving, responsive approach, formula-feeding moms can foster just as strong of a connection with their babies as breastfeeding moms.
Do dads bond differently with breastfed babies?
Some research indicates breastfed babies have a stronger attachment to their mothers compared to fathers in the first 6 months to 1 year. This may be because breastfed infants rely primarily on their mothers for sustenance. However, these differences seem to resolve as children grow. By age 4-7, similar levels of bonding are seen between parents for both breastfed and formula-fed kids.
Do breastfed babies favor mom?
In the early months, breastfed infants may show a slight preference for their nursing mothers compared to bottle-feeding moms or fathers. However, this likely reflects their greater dependence on mom for food rather than greater love. And any favoritism towards the breastfeeding mother tends to wane after the first year as babies form attachments to both parents.
Does bottle feeding affect bonding?
No, bottle feeding does not negatively impact bonding when done in a loving, responsive way. While breastfeeding requires holding baby close, bottle-feeding allows for eye contact and talking. Formula-feeding also gives dads and other caregivers chances to bond through feedings. As long as infants get caring, affectionate interactions throughout the day, they develop healthy attachments regardless of feeding method.
Do babies bond with nannies or daycare workers?
Yes, babies are able to form attachments to multiple caregivers. While the strength of the bond may vary, infants develop relationships with any caregiver they consistently interact with, including nannies, daycare staff, relatives who babysit, etc. However, research shows the primary attachment is usually reserved for the parents.
Are breastfed toddlers more attached to mom?
Most studies have focused on breastfeeding’s impacts in the first year, so less is known about potential lasting bonding effects. A few studies indicate breastfeeding for longer durations may strengthen the mother-child bond into childhood. However, any differences are likely small. Toddlers and young children form strong attachments to their parents and other family members regardless of early feeding experiences.
Does breastfeeding reduce separation anxiety?
Some research has linked breastfeeding with lower separation anxiety. It’s hypothesized that the skin-to-skin contact and oxytocin release while nursing helps babies feel more secure. However, separation anxiety is complex with many influencing factors. While breastfeeding may help some babies, others develop anxiety about separation regardless of feeding method.
Do adopted babies bond differently?
Adopted infants are able to form healthy attachments to their adoptive parents. Early contact and skin-to-skin care help encourage bonding. While the lack of breastfeeding may create some physical distance compared to birth children, adoptive parents can foster strong emotional bonds through loving, responsive caregiving.
Table Comparing Bonding in Breastfed vs. Formula-Fed Babies
| Breastfed Babies | Formula-Fed Babies |
|---|---|
| More time spent in physical contact during feedings | Less physical closeness during feedings |
| May have slightly higher reported bonding in first year | Bonding depends more on other factors like maternal mental health, family support, etc. |
| May favor mother initially but attachments become more equal by toddlerhood | Bond equally with both parents from the start |
| Oxytocin released while nursing encourages warm feelings | Affection demonstrated through play, talking, eye contact |
| Exclusive dependence on mom for food source early on | Allows others like dads to participate in feedings and bond |
| Breastfeeding dynamics may influence subtle aspects of relationship | No evidence of impaired bonding compared to breastfeeding |
Conclusion
Current research on breastfeeding and bonding presents a complex picture. While some studies point to a small positive impact on mother-infant attachment, others find no difference compared to formula feeding. Many factors influence parent-child relationships, so breastfeeding status is unlikely to be the most important one.
Loving, responsive caregiving goes a long way toward building strong bonds, regardless of feeding method. While breastfeeding offers many benefits, both formula-feeding and breastfeeding moms have the opportunity to create close, nurturing relationships with their babies.
