Belitung Nursing Journal
Vol. 8 No. 5 (2022): September - October

Concept analysis of maternal-infant attachment during the weaning process

Artemio M. Gonzales Jr (College of Nursing, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines | College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology, Occidental Mindoro State College, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines)
Lourdes Marie S. Tejero (College of Nursing, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Oct 2022

Abstract

Background: At the time that the mother and baby transit from breastfeeding to weaning, maternal-fetal attachment becomes a crucial basis for maintaining their emotional relationship. Conceptualization is needed to better understand the phenomenon of maternal-infant attachment during the weaning process. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to explore and identify the essence of the term maternal-infant attachment during weaning and to arrive at an operational definition of the concept. Method: Concept analysis following Walker and Avant. Results: The attributes of maternal-infant attachment during the weaning process include (1) consistent and properly timed, (2) dynamic transactional interaction, and (3) secured adjustment. Maternal-infant attachment during the weaning process is brought by maternal sensitivity, closeness and proximity seeking, gentle and positive weaning, and breastfeeding experiences, which later turn into favorable emotion regulation, maturity, self-efficacy, secured bond, less intrusive interaction, resilience, and child’s behavioral and development. Conclusion: This concept analysis provides new insight into maternal-infant attachment during the weaning process that guides the nursing practice. Also, the findings can help develop or improve the models, theories, and instruments collected for maintaining maternal-fetal attachment during the weaning process.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

bnj

Publisher

Subject

Nursing

Description

BNJ contributes to the advancement of evidence-based nursing, midwifery and healthcare by disseminating high quality research and scholarship of contemporary relevance and with potential to advance knowledge for practice, education, management or policy. BNJ welcomes submissions of evidence-based ...