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Search Results (37)

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Keywords = mother–infant attachment

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14 pages, 553 KiB  
Systematic Review
Maternal Attachment and Perinatal Health in Refugee Women: A Systematic Review
by Patricia Catalá, Lorena Gutiérrez, Carmen Écija and Cecilia Peñacoba
Psychiatry Int. 2025, 6(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint6010020 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1163
Abstract
Background: In the general population, a relationship between maternal mental health and maternal attachment has been identified, but it has not been studied in depth in vulnerable populations like refugee women. This review aims to analyze the relationship between maternal attachment and mental [...] Read more.
Background: In the general population, a relationship between maternal mental health and maternal attachment has been identified, but it has not been studied in depth in vulnerable populations like refugee women. This review aims to analyze the relationship between maternal attachment and mental health in postpartum refugee women and to propose a conceptual framework for understanding these interactions. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, using search terms such as “attachment”, “bonding”, “mental health”, “post-traumatic stress”, “depression”, “anxiety”, and “refugee women”. The search was conducted between September and October 2023 in Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, and their results were systematically synthesized to identify patterns and limitations. Results: Of the 455 studies identified, only 9 met the inclusion criteria. The analysis reveals a complex relationship between maternal mental health and maternal attachment. Although four studies (n = 4) found no significant relationships between maternal mental health and attachment styles, others identified negative correlations between secure attachment and symptoms of post-traumatic stress (n = 2) or depression (n = 2), highlighting the influence of maternal psychological well-being on the bond with the infant. Conclusions: The findings suggest that post-traumatic symptoms play a key role in shaping the relationship between maternal attachment and mental health. Consequently, psychosocial interventions focusing on maternal attachment could help prevent difficulties in mother–infant interactions and improve gestational health, thus supporting the development of the maternal role in refugee populations. Full article
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22 pages, 1781 KiB  
Review
The Interplay Between Sleep Apnea and Postpartum Depression
by Antonino Maniaci, Luigi La Via, Mario Lentini, Basilio Pecorino, Benito Chiofalo, Giuseppe Scibilia, Salvatore Lavalle, Antonina Luca and Paolo Scollo
Neurol. Int. 2025, 17(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint17020020 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1929
Abstract
The complicated association between sleep apnea and postpartum depression (PPD), two diseases that can have a major influence on a mother’s health and well-being, is examined in this thorough review. An increasing number of people are realizing that sleep apnea, which is defined [...] Read more.
The complicated association between sleep apnea and postpartum depression (PPD), two diseases that can have a major influence on a mother’s health and well-being, is examined in this thorough review. An increasing number of people are realizing that sleep apnea, which is defined by repeated bouts of upper airway obstruction during sleep, may be a risk factor for PPD. The literature currently available on the frequency, common risk factors, and possible processes relating these two disorders is summarized in this study. We investigate the potential roles that sleep apnea-related hormone fluctuations, intermittent hypoxia, and fragmented sleep may play in the onset or aggravation of PPD. We also talk about the difficulties in identifying sleep apnea in the postpartum phase and how it can affect childcare and mother–infant attachment. The evaluation assesses the effectiveness of existing screening techniques, available treatments, and how well they manage both illnesses at the same time. Lastly, we identify research gaps and suggest future lines of inquiry to enhance maternal health outcomes. Full article
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20 pages, 1025 KiB  
Article
Motherhood in the Making: Key Determinants of Parenthood Motivation in Young Adult Women
by Dario Vučenović, Matea Petrović and Katarina Jelić
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(4), 917-936; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6040059 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2500
Abstract
Background: Demographic changes are often prone to purely social perspectives, while individual differences are overlooked. This research examines the role of attachment and emotional intelligence in childbearing motivation. Methods: In total, 234 female students participated in an online survey, including sociodemographic data, adult [...] Read more.
Background: Demographic changes are often prone to purely social perspectives, while individual differences are overlooked. This research examines the role of attachment and emotional intelligence in childbearing motivation. Methods: In total, 234 female students participated in an online survey, including sociodemographic data, adult attachment, emotional competencies, and parenting-related variables. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that the students express positive and negative childbearing motivation almost equally and moderately. They were both linked to religiosity and emotional management. We further explore the differences in relationship status and address the role of religious beliefs. The demographic measures identified as most important include healthcare availability for both mother and child, subsidizing housing loans or rent, and encouraging fathers to become more actively involved in the care of infants. Conclusion: These emerging trends deserve further investigation and social incentives. Full article
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14 pages, 646 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Psychosocial Stress and Mental Health Disorders in Parents and Their Children in Early Childhood: Cross-Sectional Results from the SKKIPPI Cohort Study
by Julia Fricke, Marie Bolster, Katja Icke, Natalja Lisewski, Lars Kuchinke, Christiane Ludwig-Körner, Franziska Schlensog-Schuster, Thomas Reinhold, Anne Berghöfer, Stephanie Roll and Thomas Keil
Children 2024, 11(8), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080920 - 30 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1719
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Early childhood can be a stressful period for families with a significant impact on parents’ mental health, the child’s healthy development, and the development of a secure mother–child attachment. The goal of the cross-sectional study part of SKKIPPI was to assess the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Early childhood can be a stressful period for families with a significant impact on parents’ mental health, the child’s healthy development, and the development of a secure mother–child attachment. The goal of the cross-sectional study part of SKKIPPI was to assess the occurrence of psychosocial stress and mental health disorders in parents as well as in their offspring in early childhood in three German regions. Methods: Based on random samples from three residents’ registration offices, parents with infants aged up to 12 months were invited to participate. An online screening questionnaire was developed in four languages to assess common psychosocial stressors and mental health problems of parents with small children. Results: The study enrolled 4984 mothers and 962 fathers. The most common potential psychosocial stressors were professional problems (mothers 22%, fathers 33%), lack of social support (20%, 14%), and severe, negative experiences in childhood (22%, 16%). Obsessive–compulsive thoughts (21%, 16%) and depressive (9%, 9%) and anxiety symptoms (11%, 7%) were the most frequently reported mental health problems by both parents. Regulatory problems of the child were reported by between 1.5% and 5.1% of parents. Conclusions: The study showed that a substantial proportion of parents are burdened by psychosocial problems and suffer from mental health problems in the first years after the birth of their children. Early preventive and low-threshold support measures should be available in the health and social care system. Low-threshold questionnaires, which cover a wide range of possible stress factors, should be further developed for the practical healthcare of this group of people. Full article
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18 pages, 547 KiB  
Article
Mothers’ Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy after a High-Risk or Normal Pregnancy: A Greek Longitudinal Cohort Study
by Panagiota Brani, Irina Mrvoljak-Theodoropoulou, Fani Pechlivani, Kleanthi Gourounti, Maria Iliadou, Ermioni Palaska, Panagiotis Antsaklis, Peter Drakakis and Maria Dagla
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(6), 1803-1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14060119 - 20 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3129
Abstract
Background: the objective of this longitudinal study (from pregnancy to the end of the sixth month postpartum) is to elucidate the association between maternal self-efficacy, defined as a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed, and breastfeeding outcomes. Methods: This prospective cohort study [...] Read more.
Background: the objective of this longitudinal study (from pregnancy to the end of the sixth month postpartum) is to elucidate the association between maternal self-efficacy, defined as a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed, and breastfeeding outcomes. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted among high-risk pregnant women (including those with conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and other pathological medical conditions) and normal-risk pregnant women in Greece. The high-risk group included 164 women, while the normal-risk group comprised 154 women. Data were collected using validated psychometric scales, including the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, and Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. Results: Higher maternal self-efficacy was significantly associated with a longer duration and greater exclusivity of breastfeeding. A statistically significant relationship between the type of breastfeeding and the degree of breastfeeding self-efficacy was observed at multiple postpartum milestones: in the first and third 24 h postpartum, and at the end of the sixth week, third month, and sixth month postpartum. Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical role of maternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding success, influenced by individual psychological factors and broader socio-cultural contexts. Strengthening maternal self-efficacy is essential for improving breastfeeding outcomes. Full article
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13 pages, 308 KiB  
Article
Postpartum-Specific Anxiety and Maternal–Infant Bonding: A Predictive Validity Study amongst Italian Women
by Chiara Ionio, Giulia Ciuffo, Paul Christiansen, Anna Maria Della Vedova, Victoria Fallon, Maria Francesca Figlino, Marta Landoni, Sergio A. Silverio, Martina Smorti and Alessandra Bramante
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(6), 1614-1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14060107 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3856
Abstract
The role of anxiety is unknown in relation to postpartum bonding, unlike the well-known detrimental effect that postpartum depression has on the relationship between a mother and child. This study investigates how anxiety affects mother–infant bonding after childbirth, comparing the Italian version of [...] Read more.
The role of anxiety is unknown in relation to postpartum bonding, unlike the well-known detrimental effect that postpartum depression has on the relationship between a mother and child. This study investigates how anxiety affects mother–infant bonding after childbirth, comparing the Italian version of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS-IT) with generalized measures of anxiety. Examining 324 non-randomly-selected participants responding to various scales, including the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), postpartum-specific anxiety scale (PSAS-IT), postpartum bonding questionnaire (PBQ), and baby care questionnaire (BCQ-2), initial results suggest a link between certain postpartum anxiety symptoms and attachment problems. Surprisingly, anxiety measured with the PSAS has no direct influence on attachment; however, it is a strong predictor of bonding, even when maternal age, general anxiety, and depression are taken into account, explaining 3% of the variance in scores (β = 0.26, p < 0.001). This emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention of postpartum anxiety in promoting bonding between mother and child. Full article
13 pages, 595 KiB  
Article
Perceived Parenting Stress Is Related to Cardiac Flexibility in Mothers: Data from the NorBaby Study
by Francesca Parisi, Ragnhild Sørensen Høifødt, Agnes Bohne, Catharina Elisabeth Arfwedson Wang and Gerit Pfuhl
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14020117 - 5 Feb 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2382
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity, and high levels of stress and/or depressive symptoms may reduce HRV. Here, we assessed whether (a) parental stress affected HRV in mothers during the perinatal period and whether this is mediated [...] Read more.
Heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity, and high levels of stress and/or depressive symptoms may reduce HRV. Here, we assessed whether (a) parental stress affected HRV in mothers during the perinatal period and whether this is mediated by bonding and (b) whether antenatal maternal mental states, specifically repetitive negative thinking, depressive symptoms, and pregnancy-related anxiety, have an impact on infant HRV, and lastly, we investigated (c) the relationship between maternal HRV and infant HRV. Data are from the Northern Babies Longitudinal Study (NorBaby). In 111 parent–infant pairs, cardiac data were collected 6 months after birth. In the antenatal period, we used the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire—Revised, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire; in the postnatal period, we used the Parenting Stress Index and the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale. Higher levels of perceived parenting stress but not depressive symptoms were associated with lower HRV in mothers (τ = −0.146), and this relationship was not mediated by maternal bonding. Antenatal maternal mental states were not associated with infant HRV. There was no significant correlation between maternal HRV and infant HRV. Our observational data suggest that perceived stress reduces cardiac flexibility. Future studies should measure HRV and parenting stress repeatedly during the perinatal period. Full article
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11 pages, 740 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study on the Periodontal Parameters Used in Diagnosing Periodontitis in Puerperae and Periodontitis’ Relationship with the Birth of Preterm Infants: A Case-Control Study
by Nayra Rodrigues de Vasconcelos Calixto, Fernanda Ferreira Lopes, Marcela Mayana Pereira Franco, Isaac Suzart Gomes-Filho, Bruno Braga Benatti and Cláudia Maria Coêlho Alves
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(2), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21020156 - 30 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2484
Abstract
To compare different criteria for the diagnosis of periodontitis and to evaluate the association of this condition with prematurity, this case-control study was conducted on 283 mothers of infants, divided into two groups based on gestational age (cases: <37 weeks, controls: ≥37 weeks), [...] Read more.
To compare different criteria for the diagnosis of periodontitis and to evaluate the association of this condition with prematurity, this case-control study was conducted on 283 mothers of infants, divided into two groups based on gestational age (cases: <37 weeks, controls: ≥37 weeks), with 71 cases and 212 controls. The periodontal evaluation included probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index, and bleeding on probing (BOP). Participants were classified regarding periodontitis per 14 criteria based on different periodontal parameters. The criterion selected as the gold standard was the presence of at least four teeth with one or more sites with a PD ≥ 4 mm, CAL ≥ 3 mm, and BOP at the same site. The prevalence of periodontal disease ranged from 8.1% to 55.1%. Moreover, compared to the gold standard, the sensitivities of the other criteria were 100%, while specificity ranged from 50.4% to 96.4%. Periodontitis, defined by six of the selected criteria, was associated with prematurity after multivariate adjustment, with OR ranging from 1.85 to 2.69 and 95% CI from 1.01 to 5.56; one of them was the gold standard mentioned above. Measurements using the clinical parameters of PD, CAL, and bleeding at the same site (criteria 5, 6, 7, 8), CPI (criterion 10), and at least four teeth with a PD ≥ 4 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm (criterion 11) to define periodontitis showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05). Given this study’s limitations, we can conclude that the diagnostic criteria for a periodontitis definition using a PD ≥ 4 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm in two or more teeth, with BOP at the same site, seem stronger when detecting an association between periodontitis and prematurity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perceptions of Women, Child and Adolescents' Oral Health)
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16 pages, 1011 KiB  
Article
Precursors of Prenatal Attachment and Anxiety during Pregnancy in Women Who Procreate Naturally and Pregnant Women following Assisted Reproduction Technology
by Monica Pellerone, Juan Martinez-Torvisco, Stesy Giuseppa Razza, Elena Commodari and Sandra Miccichè
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(20), 6945; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20206945 - 19 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2797
Abstract
The process of adaptation of the woman to pregnancy seems to be influenced by many factors, such as the type of conception, the mother’s age, the possible presence of other children, and socio-cultural factors. Women who conceived with an assisted reproductive technique are [...] Read more.
The process of adaptation of the woman to pregnancy seems to be influenced by many factors, such as the type of conception, the mother’s age, the possible presence of other children, and socio-cultural factors. Women who conceived with an assisted reproductive technique are emotionally vulnerable; compared with pregnant women who procreated naturally, they manifest elevated anxiety, which seems to be correlated to the fright of being separated from their child. Objectives of the present research are as follows: (1) to analyze the relationship between age, gestational age, time expectancy, previous failed attempts, perception of a high-risk pregnancy, and presence of other children, with the level of maternal–fetal attachment (MFA); (2) explore the level of maternal–infant attachment and anxiety by comparing the control and experimental group; (3) to measure a possible relationship between anxiety levels and MFA in ART pregnant women; (4) to identify variables predictive of prenatal attachment. The study group is formed by ninety-five women aged between 18–42 years (M = 30.57; S.D. = 5.47), pregnant from the 23rd to the 37th week (M = 28.95; S.D. = 3.99); on which 50 women who procreate naturally and 45 pregnant women following assisted reproductive technology. They completed: Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and ad hoc questionnaire to collect anamnestic data. The results show the presence of a correlation between gestational age and waiting period, between the number of assisted fertilization attempts with the worry about their ability to become pregnant, but a negative correlation between pregnancy weeks and the level of maternal–fetal attachment. The study shows the predictive role of anxiety on the MFA. The applications and indications for future research are analyzed. Full article
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14 pages, 455 KiB  
Article
Antibiotic Consumption, Illness, and Maternal Sensitivity in Infants with a Disorganized Attachment
by Marina Fuertes, Anabela Faria, Joana L. Gonçalves, Sandra Antunes and Francisco Dionisio
Children 2023, 10(7), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071232 - 17 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1645
Abstract
Prior research found an association between mother–infant attachment and antibiotic use. Ambivalent-attached infants are more likely to take antibiotics than other infants, and their mothers tend to be less sensitive to their needs than most. This finding is important because it shows the [...] Read more.
Prior research found an association between mother–infant attachment and antibiotic use. Ambivalent-attached infants are more likely to take antibiotics than other infants, and their mothers tend to be less sensitive to their needs than most. This finding is important because it shows the association between psychological processes, early relationships, and health outcomes. We aim to learn about children with high-risk attachment relationships, such as disorganized-attached infants. This study compares antibiotic use, infant–mother interactive behavior, and health indicators according to infant attachment patterns (including disorganized attachment). For this purpose, we observed mothers–infants’ interactive behavior in free play at nine months and infants’ attachment in the Ainsworth Strange Situation at twelve months. Participants included 77 girls and 104 boys (full-term and preterm) and their mothers. Paradoxically, mothers of disorganized-attached infants reported that their children were ill only 1.56 times on average, but 61% of their children used antibiotics in the first nine months. The other mothers reported that their children were sick 5.73 times on average, but only 54% of their children used antibiotics in the same period. Infants with disorganized attachment had mothers who were more literate and less sensitive. These results add to a body of research that shows that early high-risk relationships affect children’s lives at multiple levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neonatology)
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12 pages, 889 KiB  
Article
Maternal Attachment Networks and Mother–Infant Bonding Disturbances among Mothers with Postpartum Major Depression
by Stéphanie Vanwalleghem, Raphaële Miljkovitch, Aino Sirparanta, Camille Toléon, Stéphanie Leclercq and Anne-Sophie Deborde
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(12), 6155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126155 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5031
Abstract
The literature suggests that maternal insecure attachment is a risk factor for postpartum depression which, in turn, affects motherinfant bonding. However, recent research in attachment suggests that the investigation of attachment networks provides further insight in the understanding of psychological outcomes. This study [...] Read more.
The literature suggests that maternal insecure attachment is a risk factor for postpartum depression which, in turn, affects motherinfant bonding. However, recent research in attachment suggests that the investigation of attachment networks provides further insight in the understanding of psychological outcomes. This study aims to test a model according to which mothers’ attachment towards each of their parents contributes to explain attachment towards their romantic partners, which itself is associated with maternal postpartum depression and, in turn, with motherinfant bonding. The Attachment Multiple Model Interview, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were administered to 90 mothers of infants under 6 months of age (32 with postpartum major depression). Results showed that attachment towards the partner (1) is best explained by attachment to the father and (2) mediates the link between attachment to the father and depression severity. Also, depression severity mediates the link between attachment to the partner and motherinfant bonding. These results highlight the role of attachment models towards the romantic partner and the father in the perinatal period and the relevance of attachment-focused therapeutic programs in treating postpartum maternal depression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Attachment across the Lifespan: Challenges in the New Century)
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16 pages, 407 KiB  
Article
Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Symptoms, Parental Bonding and Dyadic Sensitivity in Mother–Baby Interactions at Three Months Post-Partum
by Anna Maria Della Vedova, Fabrizio Santoniccolo, Cristina Sechi and Tommaso Trombetta
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4253; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054253 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3894
Abstract
The quality of the early parent–infant relationship is crucial for the child’s optimal development, and parental sensitivity plays a key role in early interactions. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of maternal perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms on dyadic [...] Read more.
The quality of the early parent–infant relationship is crucial for the child’s optimal development, and parental sensitivity plays a key role in early interactions. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of maternal perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms on dyadic sensitivity at three months post-partum, also considering a large set of maternal and infant variables. At the third trimester of pregnancy (T1) and at three months postpartum (T2), 43 primiparous women filled in a set of questionnaires evaluating symptoms of depression (CES-D) or anxiety (STAI), the woman’s parental bonding experiences (PBI), alexithymia (TAS-20), maternal attachment to the baby (PAI, MPAS) and the perceived social support (MSPSS). At T2 mothers also completed a questionnaire on infant temperament and took part in the CARE-Index videotaped procedure. Dyadic sensitivity was predicted by higher maternal trait anxiety scores in pregnancy. In addition, the mother’s experience of being cared for by her father in childhood was predictive of her infant’s lower compulsivity, while paternal overprotection predicted higher unresponsiveness. The results highlight the influence of perinatal maternal psychological well-being and maternal childhood experiences on the quality of the dyadic relationship. The results may be useful to foster mother–child adjustment during the perinatal period. Full article
15 pages, 417 KiB  
Article
The Mother-Baby Bond: Role of Past and Current Relationships
by Emanuela Bianciardi, Francesca Ongaretto, Alberto De Stefano, Alberto Siracusano and Cinzia Niolu
Children 2023, 10(3), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10030421 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6185
Abstract
During the perinatal period, up to 25% of women experience difficulties in relating to their child. The mother-child bond promotes the transition to motherhood, protects the woman from depression, and protects the child from the intergenerational transmission of the disease. This study prospectively [...] Read more.
During the perinatal period, up to 25% of women experience difficulties in relating to their child. The mother-child bond promotes the transition to motherhood, protects the woman from depression, and protects the child from the intergenerational transmission of the disease. This study prospectively investigated if the relationship with the co-parent, the attachment style, and the bond that women had with their parents influenced the mother-fetus and then mother-child bond. We also explored the role of depression and anxiety. One hundred nineteen pregnant women were enrolled. We administered clinical interviews and psychometric tools. A telephone interview was conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow-up. Maternal insecure attachment style (r = −0.253, p = 0.006) and women’s dyadic adjustment in the couple’s relationships (r = 0.182, p = 0.049) were correlated with lower maternal–fetal attachment. Insecure attachment styles and depression correlate with bottle-feeding rather than breastfeeding. The bond women had with their mothers, not their fathers, was associated with breastfeeding. Depression (OR = 0.243, p = 0.008) and anxiety (OR = 0.185, p = 0.004; OR = 0.304, p < 0.0001) were related to mother-infant bonding. Close relationships, past and present, affect the bond with the fetus and the child differently. Psychotherapy can provide reassuring and restorative intersubjective experiences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Perinatal Depression and Child Developmental Disorders)
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12 pages, 301 KiB  
Article
The Association between Prematurity, Antibiotic Consumption, and Mother-Infant Attachment in the First Year of Life
by Marina Fuertes, Anabela Faria, Joana L. Gonçalves, Sandra Antunes and Francisco Dionisio
Antibiotics 2023, 12(2), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12020309 - 2 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1971
Abstract
Antibiotics have individual and public-health drawbacks. Nevertheless, mother-infant attachment quality and maternal sensitivity are associated with antibiotic use. Ambivalent-attached infants are more likely to consume antibiotics than other infants. Conceivably, the emotional over-externalization of ambivalent-attached infants and maternal anxiety when infants are ill [...] Read more.
Antibiotics have individual and public-health drawbacks. Nevertheless, mother-infant attachment quality and maternal sensitivity are associated with antibiotic use. Ambivalent-attached infants are more likely to consume antibiotics than other infants. Conceivably, the emotional over-externalization of ambivalent-attached infants and maternal anxiety when infants are ill raise concerns in healthcare professionals, leading to antibiotic over-prescriptions. However, because infants prematurely born, particularly those with less than 32 weeks of gestation, are under more accurate health vigilance, the impact of infant and maternal behavior on antibiotic prescription may vanish in this sample. To test this hypothesis, we performed a longitudinal study to compare antibiotic use and the quality of mother-infant attachment in three groups: 86 infants born at full-term, 44 moderate-to-late preterm infants (32–36 gestation weeks), and 58 very-to-extreme preterm infants (<32 gestation weeks). Infants’ attachment was observed with the Ainsworth Strange Situation’s experimental paradigm at 12 months of corrected age. Findings indicate that infant attachment strategy is associated with antibiotics uptake, but results vary across samples. The proportion of infants that used antibiotics is highest among ambivalent-attached infants in the full-term sample but highest among avoidant-attached infants in the very-to-extreme premature sample. Moreover, higher infant gestational age and lower maternal sensitivity determine higher antibiotic use. Full article
13 pages, 647 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Maternal Psychological Manifestations on the Mother–Child Couple during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic in Two Hospitals in Timisoara, Romania
by Cristina Dragomir, Roxana Popescu, Elena Silvia Bernad, Marioara Boia, Daniela Iacob, Mirabela Adina Dima, Ruxandra Laza, Nicoleta Soldan, Brenda-Cristiana Bernad, Alin Eugen Semenescu, Ion Dragomir, Claudiu Elian Angelescu-Coptil, Razvan Nitu, Marius Craina, Constantin Balaceanu-Stolnici and Cristina Adriana Dehelean
Medicina 2022, 58(11), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58111540 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2900
Abstract
Background and objectives: The postpartum maternal physical and psychological state played a fundamental role in the mother–child relationship at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study is to analyze the influence of maternal psychological manifestations on the mother–child couple [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: The postpartum maternal physical and psychological state played a fundamental role in the mother–child relationship at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study is to analyze the influence of maternal psychological manifestations on the mother–child couple through three objectives (briefly expressed): (I) Determination of the main acute and chronic conditions of newborns/infants. (II) Verification of the hypothesis of the existence of a link between the following neonatal variables: gestational age, birth weight, number of days of hospitalization, and specific neonatal therapies (oxygen, surfactant, and blood products’ transfusion). (III) Verification of the influence of postpartum maternal psychological status on the mother–child couple through three hypotheses. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals in Timișoara, Romania, between 1 March and 1 September 2020, and included 165 mothers and their 175 newborns. Mothers answered the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Spielberger’s Inventory of State-Trait Anxiety, and the Collins and Read Revised Adult Attachment Scale. Results: (I) The acute and chronic pathology of the infants in the study group was polymorphic. (II) Large correlations were identified between the following infant variables: gestational age with birth weight, and number of hospitalization days with birth weight, gestational age, and use of blood product transfusion (all p < 0.001). (III) (1) State anxiety was the only significant predictor of number of hospitalization days (p = 0.037), number of acute disorders (p = 0.028), and number of infant chronic diseases (p = 0.037). (2) Maternal depressive symptoms were the only predictor of postpartum maternal attachment (p = 0.018). (3) Depressive symptoms, state, and trait anxiety were non-significant in all models studied (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Postpartum maternal physical and psychological state plays a fundamental role on the mother–child relationship in the new social and complex family conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics and Gynecology)
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