Mother-infant Bond Research Articles

Examining the Mediating Effects of Dissociation in the Association Between Maternal Histories of Maltreatment and Mother-Infant Bonding

ABSTRACT Child maltreatment (CM) is a major global concern. Research has shown that CM may impact early attachment. However, few studies have examined factors related to the perinatal period, such as symptoms of dissociation during pregnancy and maternal histories of experiencing CM. Given the potential implications for early intervention and prevention, this study aimed to examine if prenatal dissociation mediates the association between maternal histories of CM (total and subtypes) and early mother-infant bonding at three months postpartum using an at-risk sample of younger mothers with high rates of CM. The sample included women, between 18 to 29 years old, who completed online surveys during pregnancy (Time 1 n = 85) and postpartum (Time 2 n = 57). Mediation models were run using SPSS PROCESS. The results highlighted that with the CM total score, there was a significant indirect effect from CM to early bonding through prenatal maternal dissociation. This model explained 19.89% of the variance of early bonding. The models examining the four CM subtypes individually (neglect, physical abuse, emotional maltreatment, and sexual abuse) yielded similar results. These results have implications for practitioners, such as targeting maternal histories of CM, dissociation, and early bonding using trauma-informed care practices during the perinatal period.

미디어 리터러시 함양 프로그램이 영유아와 어머니의 상호작용 및 양육효능감에 미치는 영향

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a media literacy program on mother–infant interactions and parenting efficacy. The subjects were mothers of infants and toddlers residing in the southeastern region of Gyeongsangbuk-do. They were divided into the experimental and control groups, with 20 mothers in each group. The experimental group participated in a media literacy program comprising 10 sessions, each lasting 3 h. To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, mean and standard deviation analyses were performed, and data were collected and analyzed using SPSS WIN 29.0. The pretest scores were controlled as covariates, and the posttest scores were compared between the two groups using analysis of covariance. The results showed significant improvements in mother–infant interactions, particularly in positive and verbal engagements. Furthermore, enhancements were observed in parenting efficacy, specifically in areas of communication and the ability to raise healthy children. These findings highlight the potential value of media literacy cultivation programs for mothers, suggesting their high utility and effectiveness as a targeted intervention. The results can serve as foundational data for the development and implementation of practical media literacy programs aimed at enhancing mater nal capabilities and strengthening mother–infant bonds.

Effects of hospital treatment for congenital heart defects on mother-infant bonding, maternal stress, and parenting

BackgroundInfants with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) are now surviving longer with more medical treatment available. Many of these infants undergo hospitalisation for life-sustaining procedures in their first seven months. However, barriers to bonding and the psychological burden on parents while caring for an infant during this time can cause issues for the child-parent relationship. This study aimed to assess links among intensive care factors, maternal stress, the Mother-Infant Bond (MIB) and parenting in these mother-infant dyads. Design and methodsA convenience sample of 148 mothers of CHD children was collected via the Heart Kids Facebook page. An anonymous Qualtrics survey of demographic, hospital experience, MIB, maternal stress and parenting variables was completed retrospectively by mothers of infants with CHD. FindingsThe results indicated that MIB and maternal stress were positively and strongly correlated. Hospital experiences of breastfeeding, staff support required for handling the infant, and prolonged separation were associated with both maternal stress and poorer quality MIB. Maternal past experiences of being parented with care was negatively correlated with maternal stress and MIB difficulties. Time of diagnosis and current parenting style were unrelated to any other variable. Testing the effects of barriers to infant contact and the effect of cardiac surgery highlighted some challenges in assessing these features of care. ConclusionResults indicated that postpartum mothers living through the traumatic experience of supporting their infant while they received treatment for CHD need more individualised psychological and social support to promote positive psychological outcomes for the mother-infant dyad. Practice implicationsHealthcare providers should prioritise mental health support and create opportunities for mothers of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) to engage with their babies, even in intensive care settings, to reduce stress and improve mother-child bonding. Given that breastfeeding can unexpectedly increase maternal stress in these environments, flexible feeding alternatives and realistic guidance should be offered. Additionally, reflective parenting education programs should help mothers understand how their own upbringing influences their parenting approaches during this critical period.

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex: Measurement, Prevalence, Clinical Features, Maternal Mental Health, and Mother-Infant Bonding.

Introduction: Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is a condition affecting lactating women, characterized by abrupt emotions of dysphoria that start shortly before or during milk let-down and progress for several minutes. Research on D-MER, especially with quantitative methodology, is minimal. This study aimed to validate an instrument for D-MER-related emotions, examine its prevalence and clinical features, and explore differences in maternal mental health and mother-infant bonding between mothers with and without D-MER. Methods: A total of 711 women up to 12 months postpartum participated in an online cross-sectional study. Participants fulfilled the D-MER Questionnaire (D-MERq), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. Results: The analysis showed that D-MERq had high reliability and good discriminant and divergent validity. The prevalence of D-MER was 5.9%. For the majority, D-MER manifested intensely, accompanied mostly by agitation- and anxiety-related emotions, and 45% of mothers discontinued breastfeeding due to D-MER. Mothers experiencing D-MER had higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, previous psychiatric diagnoses, and more mother-infant bonding difficulties compared with mothers without D-MER. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that D-MERq is a valuable tool with good psychometric properties and suitable for clinical and research use to facilitate early identification and better understanding of this phenomenon. D-MER affects a noteworthy number of women and is associated with impaired mental health, bonding difficulties, and breastfeeding discontinuation. This highlights the importance of health care providers recognizing D-MER to ensure better outcomes and a more positive breastfeeding experience.

The Interactive Role of Music as a Facilitator for Mother–Infant Bonding in Early Motherhood

This two-part study explored if mothers’ uses of music in everyday life enhanced and facilitated the quality of mother–infant interactions, and consequently influenced maternal bonding. Study 1 was an exploratory qualitative study, which analysed the patterns of the mothers’ general uses of music and general experiences of motherhood. Study 2 analysed and explored the effects of mothers’ self-selected music on the quality of mother–infant interactions. The second study was based on a two-week trial with a mixed-method design including quantitative and qualitative approaches. It examined how mothers’ self-selected uses of music (maternal singing and listening to music) might influence parental stress, maternal attachment, and the quality of mother–infant interactions over the two-week period. The general findings suggested that mothers’ self-selected uses of music during daily mother–infant interactions can enhance face-to-face interactions. Furthermore, it served as an effective tool for promoting mothers’ sense of well-being. Finally, a cycle of three elements was observed: mothers’ musical responses influenced the infants’ musical responses by the synchrony of behavioral parameters between mother and infant.

Commentary on Verna Vazquez-Diaz de Leon “The Interactive Role of Music as a Facilitator for Mother–Infant Bonding in Early Motherhood”

The following is a commentary on Vazquez’ two-part study of mothers’ everyday uses of music and their relationships to the quality of mother-child interaction and bonding. The commentary considers how Vazquez’ findings are linked to the experiences and meanings of motherhood in modern times, including the stressors and pressures that many women experience as they begin their journeys as new mothers. The commentary presents three main points: the necessity to listen to maternal voices, the need to diversify study samples, and the recognition that mothers are a diverse group.

A review on the role of postpartum homecare program in identification, managing and preventing common complications

The postpartum period is a crucial phase for mothers, requiring close monitoring and care to address physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Comprehensive support is provided to new mothers through postpartum homecare programs, which prioritise the prevention and management of problems such gestational diabetes, hypertension, and postpartum depression. These programs ensure timely interventions for conditions like infections, excessive bleeding, and mental health concerns, which are common during this time. Homecare visits provide personalized care, with healthcare professionals offering guidance on breastfeeding, infant care, and self-care practices. The program's emphasis on maternal well-being reduces hospital readmissions and ensures early detection of serious conditions like postpartum hemorrhage and hypertension, promoting quicker recovery. Moreover, postpartum homecare enhances emotional support, helping new mothers cope with stress, anxiety, and fatigue. By fostering a strong mother-infant bond and addressing the unique needs of each patient, these programs contribute to better long-term health outcomes for both mother and baby, empowering women to confidently navigate the postpartum journey.

Preterm Infant Enteral Feeding Practices in Saudi Arabia: A Scoping Review.

Preterm infants are at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, which is further compounded by the fact that providing them with adequate nutrition is often challenging. Enteral feeding (EF) practices vary across neonatal units and can be impacted by the setting and geographical region. There is also a lack of evidence on best practices. To investigate EF practices and related nutrition factors, patterns, and outcomes in preterm infants in Saudi Arabia by examining studies published in this area. A search was conducted for articles on EF practices among preterm infants in Saudi Arabia that were published between January 2010 and May 2024. Searches were carried out across five electronic databases and through searching inward and backward citation and reference lists of relevant papers. Studies that described or assessed EF practices used in preterm infants from any region of Saudi Arabia and were published in English or Arabic were included. The database and manual search resulted in 1905 articles. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 14 publications were included: 12 were observational studies, 1 was a conference abstract (with retrospective analysis), and 1 was a commentary. Of these, 7 studies were conducted in the Central Province, 6 in the Western Province, and 1 in the Eastern Province. More than half of the publications (8 of 14) were published between 2021 and 2023. The studies included were categorized to three themes based on their aim: studies describing practices on mother-infant bond to encourage breastfeeding, assessing nutritional status and EF, and assessing EF as a risk factor for developing prematurity complications. While research activity on EF practices in Saudi Arabia has increased very recently, yet there is a paucity of studies, particularly experimental studies that focus on both short- and long-term health outcomes.

UNDERSTANDING ALEXITHYMIA: A PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE

Objective: The objective of the review is to understand multifaceted construct of alexithymia and its association with psychosocial variables. Method: A thorough examination of the literature on the construct of alexithymia was conducted, encompassing studies published over several years. The empirical findings over the years regarding various psychosocial variables, including attachment styles and empathy were also reviewed. The Sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidity of alexithymia with other mental health conditions were also analyzed. Results: The review revealed that attachment bond plays a significant role in the development of alexithymia, childhood trauma due to unhealthy mother-infant bond can be one of the reasons for difficulty in understanding emotions which leads to difficulties in empathy as well. Furthermore, alexithymia has been found to be comorbid with depression, anxiety, autism and other mental illnesses. Conclusion: The findings of the review suggests that alexithymia is an important construct which can influence various psychosocial aspects of life. Although some of the variables have been extensively studied, much remains to be unclear. Further research will add up value to comprehensively evaluate the impact of alexithymia on psychosocial aspects Keywords: alexithymia, psychosocial perspective, attachment styles, empathy.

The Impact of Video Calling Between Preterm Infants and Their Mothers on the Physiological Parameters of Infants and Mother-Infant Bonding.

This study aimed to determine the effect of video calling between preterm infants treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and their mothers on the physiological parameters of infants and mother-infant bonding. Preterm infants need prolonged treatment in the NICU, and their families may have difficulty seeing their babies during this treatment process. This is a prospective, randomized-controlled, experimental study. The study sample consisted of 75 preterm infants and their mothers. The data were collected using a maternal introductory information form, a preterm infant introductory information form, a preterm infant physiological parameters follow-up form, and the Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS). The study included 3 study groups: the video call group, the video call with lullaby group, and the control group. Video calls between preterm infants and their mothers were made through Zoom for 5 to 10 minutes daily for 7 days. The mothers filled out the MIBS online before and on the 7th and 30th days of the study. Preterm infants in the video call and the video call with lullaby groups had higher MIBS mean scores on the 7th and 30th days of the study than their pretest MIBS scores. Preterm infants in the video call and the video call with lullaby groups had statistically significantly higher MIBS mean scores on the seventh day of the study than those in the control group. At the end of the 7-day study period, there was an improvement in the physiological parameters of preterm infants in the video call group and the video call with lullaby group compared with those in the control group, and this relationship was statistically significant. In conclusion, the implementation of video calls between mothers and preterm infants in NICUs had a healing effect on the physiological parameters of preterm infants and increased mother-infant bonding.

Neonatal transfer and duration of hospitalization of newborns as potential risk factors for impaired mother-infant bonding: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

BackgroundCurrently, there is no consensus regarding the relationship between neonatal transfer and duration of hospitalization in cases of impaired mother-infant bonding (MIB). This study aimed to determine whether neonatal transfer and duration of hospitalization of newborns increase the risk for impaired MIB. MethodsThe MIB Scale was used to assess impaired MIB 1 year after delivery, using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. A score ≥ 5 points indicated impaired MIB. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between neonatal transfer and duration of hospitalization of newborns with the risk of impaired MIB. ResultsA total of 66,402 pregnant women were included in the study. The overall incidence rate of impaired MIB was 11.2 %. The mean duration of hospitalization of newborns was 7.1 ± 6.4 days. After adjusting for potential confounders, neonatal transfer (adjusted odd ratio (OR): 1.13 [95 % confidence interval (CI)), 1.01–1.27]) and duration of hospitalization of newborns (adjusted OR 1.007; 95 % CI 1.003–1.010) were associated with impaired MIB. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the duration of hospitalization of newborns for impaired MIB was 0.53. LimitationsMaternal childhood abuse and neglect history were not evaluated, and information regarding whether the infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit was unavailable. ConclusionsJapanese women whose newborns underwent neonatal transfer should be followed up for at least 1 year after delivery, regardless of the duration of hospitalization of newborns.

Cetaceans are the next frontier for vocal rhythm research

While rhythm can facilitate and enhance many aspects of behavior, its evolutionary trajectory in vocal communication systems remains enigmatic. We can trace evolutionary processes by investigating rhythmic abilities in different species, but research to date has largely focused on songbirds and primates. We present evidence that cetaceans—whales, dolphins, and porpoises—are a missing piece of the puzzle for understanding why rhythm evolved in vocal communication systems. Cetaceans not only produce rhythmic vocalizations but also exhibit behaviors known or thought to play a role in the evolution of different features of rhythm. These behaviors include vocal learning abilities, advanced breathing control, sexually selected vocal displays, prolonged mother–infant bonds, and behavioral synchronization. The untapped comparative potential of cetaceans is further enhanced by high interspecific diversity, which generates natural ranges of vocal and social complexity for investigating various evolutionary hypotheses. We show that rhythm (particularly isochronous rhythm, when sounds are equally spaced in time) is prevalent in cetacean vocalizations but is used in different contexts by baleen and toothed whales. We also highlight key questions and research areas that will enhance understanding of vocal rhythms across taxa. By coupling an infraorder-level taxonomic assessment of vocal rhythm production with comparisons to other species, we illustrate how broadly comparative research can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the prevalence, evolution, and possible functions of rhythm in animal communication.

The Association Between Epidural Analgesia During Labor and Mother-Infant Bonding

(J Clin Anesth. 2022;80:110795 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinane.2022.110795 |) Labor involves significant pain for the mother, influenced by various factors. The ability to control this pain positively impacts the mother’s psychological and physiological well-being. Epidural analgesia is commonly chosen for pain relief during vaginal delivery. Mother-infant bonding, crucial for a child’s later attachment and self-perception, develops from pregnancy into early childhood. A strong bond correlates with positive parenting, cognitive development, and improved neurobehavioral outcomes. Impaired bonding, affecting 7% to 11.3% of mothers, can lead to long-term issues for both mother and child, including depression, anxiety, and socioemotional challenges. Several risk factors for impaired bonding include primiparity, negative feelings toward pregnancy, low birth weight, higher education, and postpartum depression. Pain during labor, a significant element, may impact the bonding process. Studies on epidural analgesia’s association with postpartum depression yield conflicting results, and no research examines its connection to mother-infant bonding. The primary study’s aim is to explore the link between epidural analgesia and mother-infant bonding, with a secondary focus on its association with postpartum depression immediately after childbirth.

The relationship between maternal-infant bonding and postpartum depression/anxiety: moderating effect of childhood psychological abuse and validation of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding scale (MIBS-8) in Arabic

BackgroundThe emotional bond that a mother senses to her infant is essential to their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Understanding the level of mother-infant bonding plays an imperative role in the excellence of care. However, in Lebanon, there is a paucity of information about mother-infant bonding in the postpartum period. Given that Lebanese pregnant women constitute an important part of the population to look at, the objectives of the study were to (1) validate the Arabic version of the mother–infant bonding scale and (2) the relation between mother-infant bond and postpartum depression/anxiety; (3) the moderating effect of child abuse in the association between mother-infant bond and postpartum depression/anxiety.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 until June 2023, enrolling 438 women 4–6 weeks after delivery (mean age: 31.23 ± 5.24 years). To examine the factor structure of the mother-infant bond scale, we used an Exploratory-Confirmatory (EFA-CFA) strategy. To check if the model was adequate, several fit indices were calculated: the normed model chi-square (χ2/df), the Steiger-Lind root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) and the comparative fit index (CFI).ResultsEFA was conducted on the first subsample. Three items were removed. The five items remaining loaded on one factor, which explained 73.03% of the common variance (ω = .91 / α = .90). After adding a correlation between residuals for items 2–7 and 5–8, fit indices of the CFA results were acceptable: χ2/df = 6.97/3 = 2.32, RMSEA = .068 (90% CI .001, .135), SRMR = .017, CFI = .996, TLI = .988. The interaction maternal-infant bonding by child psychological abuse was significantly associated with depression and anxiety respectively. At low, moderate and high levels of child psychological abuse, higher maternal-infant bonding scores (greater difficulty in bonding) were significantly associated with higher depression and higher anxiety respectively.ConclusionThis study provides, for the first time, a specific Arabic scale to assess mother-infant bonding reliably and validly. Furthermore, our study has suggested the existence of factors that have additive effects in potentiating the risk for depression and anxiety among Lebanese postpartum women, namely a history of psychological child abuse. Therefore, laborious awareness programs and healthcare services need to be implemented in order to prevent maternal mental health disorders from being unrecognized and left untreated.

IJCM_75A: Assessment of Perinatal Anxiety among Postpartum Mothers admitted in Tertiary Care Hospital, Raipur City (Chhattisgarh)

Background: Maternal mental and emotional health plays an important role in child nutrition and health. About 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who recently gave birth suffer from perinatal depression and anxiety. This can impair maternal functioning, cause distress, and may interrupt mother–infant bond formation. Objectives: 1) To assess the Perinatal anxiety among postpartum mothers using PASS (Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale). Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in postpartum mothers after 24 hr of delivery admitted in Tertiary Care Hospital, Raipur City (Chhattisgarh). After taking informed consent. consecutive sampling was applied for the collection of data and the sample size was 400. €¢ Perinatal anxiety-related questions asked by Perinatal anxiety screening scale which is a 4-point Likert scale (not at all/some times/often/almost always). This scale contains a total of 31 questions which are divided into 04 domains i.e. Excessive worry and specific fears, perfectionism, control and trauma, social anxiety, acute anxiety, and adjustment having 10, 08, 05, and 08 no. of questions in each domain respectively. Results: Only 14.5% of study subjects are asymptomatic while almost all ie 85.5% have varying grades of perinatal anxiety ranging from mild to moderate i.e.54.75%, and severe anxiety i.e. 30.75%. Conclusion: The new mothers are very much anxious about perfectionism, control, and trauma i.e. 91.5% have mild-moderate symptoms of anxiety severity for this domain.

Quality of mother-infant interaction, breastfeeding, and perinatal mental health

IntroductionThe quality of mother-infant interactions is crucial for child development. Studies show that breastfeeding contributes to maternal sensitivity and the development of a positive mother-infant bond. Maternal mental health difficulties negatively impact both maternal sensitivity and breastfeeding. Thus, it is unclear whether breastfeeding contributes to the quality of mother-infant interactions independent from mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum to the quality of the mother-infant relationship at 6 months postpartum, controlling for maternal mental health in a community sample of mothers in Chile. Materials and methodEighty women completed self-report measures of mental health and breastfeeding during the third trimester of pregnancy and 3 and 6 months postpartum. At 6 months after childbirth, the mother-infant interaction was assessed by coding a free-play session between mothers and infants. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the contribution of breastfeeding practices and mental health to the quality of mother-infant interactions. ResultsExclusive breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum increased the likelihood of displaying positive mother-infant interactions controlling for maternal mental health. Mothers who continued to breastfeed at 6 months postpartum reported less symptoms of antenatal depression and anxiety and higher levels of sensitivity and cooperation towards their infants. ConclusionBreastfeeding contributes to maternal sensitivity and cooperation even when controlling for maternal mental health. Implications for health practitioners and limitations due to the sample characteristics are discussed.

Navigating the landscape of Postpartum Depression: a comprehensive review

Introduction and purpose:
 The joyous occasion of childbirth is often overshadowed by the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD), a complex mental health condition affecting mothers globally. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on PPD, exploring its frequency, risk factors, pathogenesis, symptoms, and impact on maternal and child health.
 Description of the State of Knowledge:
 Recent studies indicate an alarming increase in PPD rates, with notable racial and socioeconomic disparities. Symptoms of PPD, ranging from mild to severe include mood disturbances, cognitive impairments, and self-harm ideation. The repercussions extend beyond the postpartum period, affecting long-term child development, breastfeeding practices, and the mother-infant bond. Advancements in screening tools, particularly the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), have facilitated early detection. However, creating an environment conducive to open communication about mental health remains a significant challenge. Interventions for PPD include psychotherapeutic approaches, pharmacological interventions, and complementary therapies. Brexanolone, the first FDA-approved drug for PPD, represents a significant breakthrough. Community-based and peer support programs, alongside a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals and support networks, have shown promise in alleviating PPD symptoms.
 Summary:
 In conclusion, PPD remains a substantial public health concern. Increased awareness of its multifaceted nature has led to improved screening, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. Ongoing dialogue, supportive environments, and refined treatments are essential for enhancing the well-being of both mothers and their infants in the postpartum period.

Mother–infant bonding in the first nine months postpartum: the role of mother’s attachment style and psychological flexibility

ABSTRACT Introduction Mother’s bond to the infant in the postpartum period plays an important role in the subsequent mother–infant relationship and the infant’s socio-emotional functioning. Several maternal characteristics, such as attachment style and psychological flexibility, may contribute to the quality of mother–infant bonding, though literature examining these variables is still scarce. The present study aimed to examine the impact of mother’s attachment on mother–infant bonding in the first month postpartum and the mediating role of psychological flexibility on that association. Methods Participants were 226 mothers of an infant up to 9 months old, who reported on their own attachment style (in terms of anxiety, comfort with proximity, trust in others), psychological flexibility (in terms of openness to experience, behavioural awareness, valued action) and mother–infant bonding. Results Results showed that mother’s attachment anxiety predicted a bond with the infant directly and indirectly via mother’s psychological flexibility, specifically through behavioural awareness and valued action. Trust in others had an impact on mother–infant bonding through behavioural awareness, whereas comfort with proximity influenced mother–infant bond indirectly, via valued action. Finally, mothers’ civil status, schooling and number of children were relevant to better understand the variance of our mediating and dependent variables. Discussion Our findings highlight the importance of mother’s attachment and psychological flexibility in promoting the quality of mother–infant bonding, which can inform future intervention programmes targeting modifiable factors, such as psychological flexibility, to promote early positive parent–infant relationships, particularly for single, first-time mothers, with higher levels of education.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mother-Infant Bond: A Systematic Review

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mother-Infant Bond: A Systematic Review

POSTPARTUM BLUES PHENOMENON: ISLAMIC RELIGIOSITY (MUROTTAL AND DHIKR THERAPY) INTERVENTION IN THE WORKING AREA OF SEMARANG CITY PUSKESMAS

Emotional strain arises during the postpartum phase. Postpartum blues is one of the common complications that arise from psychological issues in postpartum mothers. Inappropriate handling can cause postpartum depression and even psychosis, damage the mother-infant bond, and, in the worst-case scenario, harm the kid. Postpartum blues, often known as baby blues, affects 26–85% of women in Asian countries after giving birth, whereas 50–70% of postpartum mothers in Indonesia experience the condition. The percentage of women who get the baby blues ranges from 50 to 70%. The baby blues syndrome affects 1 to 2 moms out of every 1000 babies. This study aimed to analyze the intervention of murotal Al-Qur'an therapy and dhikr on the phenomenon of postpartum blues. This type of research is quantitative by design quasi-experiment one group pretest-posttest. 30 respondents participated using a positive sampling technique. Intervention is given once a day for 6 days independently accompanied by researchers. The instrument is the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) questionnaire and the analysis test used is the Wilcoxon test. Before receiving Al-Qur'an murottal treatment and dhikris, postpartum moms' EPDS score After receiving Al-Qur'an murottal therapy intervention and dhikr in the Semarang City Health Center area, the majority of postpartum mothers (83.3%) experienced a decrease in EPDS scores, indicating that they were in the normal category. Out of all respondents, 100% reported having mild depression or postpartum blues. The findings of the Wilcoxon test showed a significance value of p <0.001, indicating that dhikr and murottal Al-Qur'an therapy had an impact on the postpartum blues phenomena. The average difference between the EPDS scores before and after the intervention is four points. When it came to the postpartum blues phenomena in the Semarang City Health Center region, the intervention of murottal Al-Qur'an therapy and dhikr produced a significant value of p<0.001, indicating that the phenomenon was affected by the intervention. Keywords: Postpartum Blues, Murottal Al-Qur'an Therapy, and Dhikr Therapy