Early Perinatal Hospital Discharge and Parenting During Infancy

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the relationship between early perinatal hospital discharge and several parenting outcomes during infancy, including breastfeeding, mother–infant interaction, and mother–infant attachment. Study Design. A prospective, longitudinal, nonrandomized study of mother–infant dyads discharged ≤36 hours after birth (early discharge), compared with those discharged >36 hours after birth (late discharge). Methods. Demographic, perinatal, and psychosocial factors were determined from medical record review and maternal questionnaires. Questionnaires also assessed maternal perceptions of the hospital stay and breastfeeding rates. Mother–infant interaction was assessed at 3 months after birth using the NCAST Feeding Scale and at 9 months after birth using the NCAST Teaching Scale. Security of attachment was measured in the Ainsworth Strange Situation at 12 months after birth. Results. Early and late discharge groups were similar with respect to major demographic, perinatal, and psychosocial characteristics and perceptions of the hospital stay. Even after adjusting for these factors in regression analyses, no significant association was found between early discharge and breastfeeding at 3 months, NCAST scores at 3 and 9 months, and security of attachment at 12 months. Conclusion. Parenting outcomes, such as breastfeeding, mother–infant interaction, and attachment, are not influenced by early perinatal hospital discharge.