The study explored the relationship between feeding practices and development, as well as feeding practices and parent-child relationship outcomes. Ninety-one mothers, ages 22 to 48 years, were assigned to either a breastfed or formula-fed group based on their history of feeding their children. The breastfed group included 58 mothers (they breastfed for at least two weeks) and the formula-fed group included 33 mothers. The children ranged from 13 months to 47 months. The breastfed group had significantly older children than the formula-fed. The mothers completed questionnaires following consent that included: a demographics inventory, the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale (breastfed group), the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale-Revised (formula-fed group), the Parenting Stress Index-Long Form and the Child Development Inventory. The results suggested that mothers who breastfed for 7 months or longer, had a significantly better perception of their breastfeeding success. The contributing factors were also significant. These mothers had a positive perception of their maternal enjoyment and role attainment as well as a positive body image, infant satisfaction and growth. The mothers who breastfed up through 6 months had lower scores and therefore more concerns regarding their infant's growth as well as negative perceptions about their changed lifestyle and maternal body image.
