The Dynamics of Becoming a Mother during Pregnancy and After Childbirth.

Anna Zdolska-Wawrzkiewicz,Daria Pizuńska,Magdalena Chrzan-Dętkoś,Mariola Bidzan

doi:10.3390/ijerph17010057

Anna Zdolska-Wawrzkiewicz, Daria Pizuńska + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010057

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Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between one’s maternal attachment style and one’s self-image as a mother, image of one’s mother as a mother, and bond with the child over a period of several months. Methods: A total of 86 women took part in the study The Adjective Check List (ACL), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), and a modified version of the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) were used. Two measurements were used: during pregnancy and about six months after the birth of the child. Results: In terms of their self-image as mothers, the women had higher results the first time they took the questionnaire, regardless of their attachment style. An interaction effect was found between attachment style and the ‘need for changes’ scale. The image of one’s mother as a mother depended on the level of avoidance in attachment, regardless of the measurement. An interaction effect was found between attachment style and the scale of ‘personal adaptation’. There was a correlation between the bond with the child during pregnancy, the bond following birth, and the style of maternal attachment; the main predictor of the bond with the child after birth is the bond with the child during the pregnancy. Conclusion: Those who provide care for pregnant women and new mothers should be aware of the complex psychological processes in the transition to motherhood, have knowledge about perinatal mental health, and when necessary, refer women to specialists such as support groups for new mothers, trained midwives, psychologists, psychotherapists, or psychiatrists.

Highlights

The formation of one’s identity as a mother begins in childhood with a female identifying with her parents
Acknowledging that many factors influence maternal–child bonding such as planned vs. unplanned pregnancy, parental stress, occurrence of depressive symptoms, and so on, due to limitations related to the volume of the text, we would like to focus on the maternal attachment
The continuous dependent variable was one’s self-image as a mother measured by the Adjective Check List (ACL) questionnaire, while the covariate was the level of depression measured after childbirth (ESDP)

Summary

Introduction

The formation of one’s identity as a mother begins in childhood with a female identifying with her parents. The decision to have a child and the pregnancy itself, intensify the formation of a maternal identity [1]. The maternal–fetal attachment level in unplanned pregnancies is weaker than their planned counterparts [13] which can influence further maternal–child bonding and child outcomes. Acknowledging that many factors influence maternal–child bonding such as planned vs unplanned pregnancy, parental stress, occurrence of depressive symptoms, and so on, due to limitations related to the volume of the text, we would like to focus on the maternal attachment. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between one’s maternal attachment style and one’s self-image as a mother, image of one’s mother as a mother, and bond with the child over a period of several months. Scale (MFAS), and a modified version of the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) were used.

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