Comparison of Midwife-Led and Obstetrician-Led Care Models: Associations with Maternal Bonding and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

Background/Objectives: The postpartum period is important for mother–infant bonding and breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study compared these outcomes between women receiving midwife-led and obstetrician-led intrapartum care. Methods: A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted in two Lithuanian hospitals between September 2022 and July 2024. Women with low-risk births (n = 349) were assessed at 1–3 days and 6–8 weeks postpartum using the MIBS and BSES-SF. Results: In unadjusted comparisons, total MIBS scores showed a more stable pattern in the MW-led group (between-group difference in change, p = 0.004), and total BSES-SF scores increased within the MW-led group (p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, the care setting was not independently associated with change in total MIBS or total BSES-SF scores. At 6–8 weeks postpartum, care setting (p = 0.041) and parity (p = 0.017) were associated with total BSES-SF scores. Conclusions: Selected unadjusted outcomes showed more favourable patterns in the MW-led setting, but adjusted analyses did not support an independent association between care setting and change in either principal outcome. Since each model was represented by a different hospital, observed associations cannot be attributed specifically to the professional care model.