Facilitators and regulators: infant sleep practices and maternal subjective well-being

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the current study was to verify whether maternal orientation differences are associated with specific care-giving practices and maternal subjective well-being in accordance with theory. Background: The facilitator orientation, characterised by infant-led care-giving, is proposed to promote immediate responsiveness to the infant coupled with a maternal desire to nurture, whereas the regulator orientation, typified by a mother-led care regime, is proposed to prioritise infant socialisation and maternal needs. However, empirical research linking maternal orientation to maternal care-giving practices and satisfaction in the mothering role is limited. Method: Two hundred and seventy-four mothers of infants 4–7 months old answered an online questionnaire to classify maternal orientation, explore care-giving practices specific to infant sleep, and assess each woman’s current experience of mothering. Results: As predicted, more facilitator tendencies were associated with more frequent hands-on infant settling, more flexible timing for infant sleeps, and a closer mother–infant proximity at night, even after controlling for demographic influences and feeding type (breast milk and/or formula). In contrast, maternal orientation did not explain differences in maternal subjective well-being. Those with more facilitator or more regulator tendencies were equally satisfied with their mothering role. Conclusions: A need to tailor support services to each mother’s philosophy to baby care is implicated.

Keywords:

• mother
• infant
• maternal orientation
• infant sleep
• maternal well-being

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a Macquarie University Research Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship. We owe thanks to Dr Alan Taylor for statistical advice and to the women who participated. We also acknowledge the assistance of online mother and baby forums: BubHub, Essential Baby, BabyCenter Australia, Raising Children Network and Single Mother Forum, as well as the Australian Breastfeeding Association and the Australian Multiple Births Association. The research reported does not reflect the views of these organisations.