The role of breastfeeding in the association between maternal and infant cortisol attunement in the first postpartum year

AIM: To explore the role of breastfeeding as a possible link between maternal and infant cortisol attunement across the first postpartum year. METHODS: Mothers (n = 93) provided salivary samples for cortisol levels over a two-day period during mid-pregnancy and at three, six and 12 months and infants at six and 12 months postpartum. Breastfeeding status was established at these same time points.