Case-control study of postpartum anxiety and maternal-infant bonding in NICU and non-NICU mothers

Abstract

BackgroundImpaired maternal-infant bonding may affect negatively both the mother and her infant. AimTo investigate and compare the postnatally anxiety symptoms and the mother-infant bonding in NICU and non-NICU mothers. MethodsParticipants who gave birth at a Greek perinatal facility completed questionnaires, the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the mean PBQ scores of NICU mothers and the control group. It was found that the control group expressed a better relationship with the newborn compared to the cases (t = −3.126, p = 0.002). Cases had higher scores on HADS ratings than the control group (χ2 = 12.366, p = 0.002). The anxiety scores were correlated with bonding scores in both groups. ConclusionsMothers of NICU infants have been shown to be more susceptible than mothers of healthy newborns. The NICU staff's support of these women and the fostering of mother-infant bonding, are critical.