Exclusive breastfeeding mitigates the association between prenatal maternal pandemic-related stress and children sleep problems at 24 months of age

Infant sleep quality is increasingly regarded as an important factor for children long-term functioning and adaptation. The early roots of sleep disturbances are still poorly understood and likely involve a complex interplay between prenatal and postnatal factors. This study investigated whether exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months moderated the association between maternal prenatal pandemic-related stress (PRS) and sleep problems in 24-months children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explored the potential contribution of maternal postnatal anxiety in these relations. Seventy-eight infants (50% males) and their mothers provided complete data from birth to 24 months. Between 12 and 48 h from birth, maternal PRS during pregnancy was retrospectively reported as well as maternal anxiety and exclusive breastfeeding. Maternal anxiety and exclusive breastfeeding were also reported at 3 and 6 months after childbirth. Children sleep disturbances were reported at 24 months. Bayesian analyses revealed that maternal PRS was positively associated with sleep problems in children who were not exclusively breastfed from birth to 6 months. Findings add to the growing literature on the lasting impact of early pre- and postnatal experiences on child well-being and development.