Mother-infant Relationship Research Articles

Exploring mothers' perspectives on the early mother-infant relationship to inform midwifery practice: A qualitative study

BackgroundThe mother-infant relationship plays a crucial role in individual and community health. The nature of the mother-infant relationship can influence the social and emotional development of the infant, impacting their lifelong health. Midwives are key in providing health promotion for women and babies and are ideally placed to support women during the early development of the mother-infant relationship. AimsThis study aimed to explore new mothers' perspectives on developing the early mother-infant relationship to inform midwifery practice. MethodsThis study is phase one of a mixed-method, exploratory sequential design project. In this phase, 14 women were interviewed within six weeks of birth to explore experiences that influenced the developing relationship with their baby. To support reflection women were provided with a visual prompt activity. These interviews informed the co-design workshops to develop an intervention to support midwives to promote the early mother infant relationship. A research protocol was published prior to undertaking the study, however as this research did not seek to modify or measure any heath related outcomes it was not registered as a clinical trial. ResultsKey themes from the interviews included: making moments that matter; the role of the village; feeling like I'm winning; supportive health professionals, and forming a new family. These themes underpinned strategies to support the mother-infant relationship. ConclusionThe findings from this study offer ways for midwives to support the emerging mother-infant relationship during the early postnatal period. Facilitating mothers to engage with their baby as well as integrating key people is important. Midwives also play a key role in building maternal confidence and competence. Further research is needed to embed and evaluate strategies in midwifery practice.

Influence of postpartum depression on maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding practices among mothers in Abeokuta, Ogun state

BackgroundPostpartum Depression (PPD) is a severe mental health condition that adversely affects mothers and their infants. The influence of PPD on maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding practices has been scarcely reported in Nigeria. Therefore, we examined the prevalence of PPD, the associated factors, and the relationship with maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding practices in Abeokuta, Nigeria.MethodA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 600 mothers within the extended postpartum period (≤ 1 year) from three government-owned immunisation clinics at primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities in Abeokuta, Ogun State. PPD was assessed using the Edinburgh postnatal depression Scale (EPDS ≥ 13), and maternal-infant bonding was evaluated using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ ≥ 50). We also examined breastfeeding practices (i.e. the time to initiation by 30 min, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and early commencement of complementary feeding by 2 months). Data was analysed using chi-square and logistics regression models at a 5% significance level.ResultsThe prevalence of PPD was 21.8%, 95% CI (18.7–25.3). Factors associated with PPD were maternal age: 25–34 years [AOR = 0.52; 95% CI (0.29–0.90)]; ≥ 35 years [AOR = 0.44; 95% CI (0.20–0.96)], being married [AOR = 0.43; 95% CI (0.21–0.85)], perceived stress increased the odds of PPD: moderate stress level [AOR = 8.38; 95% CI (3.50–19.9)]; high-stress level [AOR = 47.8; 95% CI (8.65–263.7)] and self-reported history of emotional problems [AOR = 3.25; 95% CI (1.43–7.38)]. There was a significant direct association between PPD and poor maternal-infant bonding [AOR = 3.91; 95% CI (1.04–4.60)]. PPD reduces the odds of early breastfeeding initiation [AOR = 0.43; 95% CI (0.28–0.68)], but no association was found between PPD and exclusive breastfeeding [AOR = 1.07; 95% CI (0.07–1.67)].ConclusionThe prevalence of PPD was high in our study population and associated with poor maternal-infant bonding and late breastfeeding initiation but not with exclusive breastfeeding. Promoting maternal mental health to foster stronger mother-infant relationships and better breastfeeding practices has become crucial.

Characteristics and outcomes of infants admitted to a parent-infant inpatient psychiatric unit: A pilot study.

Inpatient parent-infant psychiatric units (PIUs) are considered "gold standard" for treating maternal mental illness, with well-documented positive outcomes for mothers. However, little research addresses outcomes for infants in these units, who often face significant developmental and socio-emotional adversity. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and progress of an Australian PIU population, focusing on the impact of PIU admission on infant outcomes. Over 3 months, 31 consecutively admitted mother-infant pairs (dyads) were assessed through interviews, observations, and standardized measures to evaluate maternal and infant characteristics and progress from admission to discharge. Maternal well-being and the mother-infant relationship improved. Infants exhibited high levels of physical (29%) and developmental concerns (80.6%). 22.6% receiving an Axis I infant mental health diagnosis. Infant socio-emotional responsiveness improved significantly, as measured by the modified Alarm-Distress Baby Scale, indicating a positive impact of PIU admission. The small sample size and reliance on clinician-observed measures limit the generalizability of the findings. PIU infants are particularly vulnerable, and PIU admission may ameliorate socio-emotional responsiveness. Further research with larger samples and extended follow-up is needed to determine the most effective intervention strategies during and after PIU admission to maximize benefits for these infants.

Childbirth self-efficacy and birth related PTSD symptoms: an online childbirth education randomised controlled trial for mothers

BackgroundThis study evaluated an online childbirth education course on childbirth self-efficacy and, subsequent birth related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and mother-infant relationship quality.MethodThree group (intervention, passive control, active control) parallel randomised controlled trial. Groups were assigned using computer generated random allocation. For the passive control group participants were instructed to carry on with whatever they were currently undertaking with their pregnancy, while the active control group were asked to read a booklet comprised of twelve birth stories. The purpose of the active control was to check if the act of having an activity to complete would influence outcomes. For the online course group (intervention) participants were asked to complete the online version of a birthing course designed by She Births®. One hundred and twenty-five women residing in Australia between 12 and 24 weeks pregnant were recruited online. Participants were asked to complete their required activity between 24 and 36 weeks pregnant. Childbirth self-efficacy scores were tested pre and post intervention (time one and time 2), PTSD symptoms and mother-infant relationship quality were tested at six weeks and six months postnatal.ResultsThere was no significant interaction by group for childbirth self-efficacy scores. Mean difference scores at time one (pre-intervention) and time two (post-intervention) for each group indicated a trend in the online group towards higher childbirth self-efficacy compared with the two control groups. The main effect of group on birth related PTSD scores was not statically significant at six weeks postnatal or at six months postnatal. The main effect of group on mother-infant relationship scores was not statically significant at six weeks postnatal or six months postnatal.ConclusionsTrends showed childbirth self-efficacy scores to be higher in the intervention group compared with the two control groups, demonstrating effectiveness for the intervention. Paradoxically, PTSD scores were higher in the intervention group compared with the two control groups and therefore also reported poorer mother-infant relationship quality. External factors may be more important than childbirth self-efficacy highlighting the need for a holistic approach that addresses systemic and socio-political influences to improve communication, autonomy, and respectful maternity care.Trial RegistrationThis trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12624000241538 on March 11, 2024.

Role of self-criticism in postpartum mental health: a network analysis

PurposeA significant percentage of women experience psychopathological symptoms during the postpartum period, which can impact not only their mental health and well-being but also the relationship between mother and baby. However, studies investigating how specific psychological factors, such as self-compassion and self-criticism, contribute to the development and maintenance of these symptoms are scarce.MethodsThis cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship among compassionate self-responding (CSR), uncompassionate self-responding (USR), maternal mental health indicators, mother-infant bonding, and the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected online from 189 Brazilian women with infants aged 0 to 12 months. Participants completed measures of sociodemographic characteristics, Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS-BR-RSF-C), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), and COVID-19–Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL).ResultsThrough network analysis, our findings highlighted that postpartum depression played a central role in the structuring of variables in this system. Furthermore, USR, instead of CSR, emerged as the variable most strongly associated with levels of postpartum depression, which, in turn, was associated with mother-infant bonding.ConclusionMitigating levels of self-criticism in mothers may represent a pathway to prevent the development of postpartum depression, which, in turn, could impact the quality of the mother-infant relationship. Given the significance of the child’s early years for their emotional development, intervening early in maternal mental health may be a means to prevent mental disorders in the child as well.

Factors Associated with Birth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and the Subsequent Impact of Traumatic Birth on Mother-Infant Relationship Quality.

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with birth-related PTSD symptoms and the subsequent impact on mother-infant relationship quality, exploring what women felt they needed to be different about their birth process to further understand the problem. Participants were recruited using social media advertising. A multi-method approach, using qualitative and quantitative analyses, was employed. The study included 142 pregnant women residing in Australia aged between 19 and 42 years (M = 31.24; SD = 4.70). High extraversion significantly predicted greater birth-related PTSD symptoms. There was a significant relationship between birth-related PTSD symptoms and poorer mother-infant relationship quality. The content analysis of the responses from women who reported a desire for a different or improved birth experience generated four themes: (1) less intrusive intervention, (2) better communication, (3) access to more supportive intervention, and (4) better post-birth care. The findings highlight the importance of supporting women's choices during birth by promoting informed and respectful woman-centred care. Postnatally, the screening and assessment of women should go beyond mood screening and include an assessment of the woman's response to her birth experience.

Bridging Neurobiological Insights and Clinical Biomarkers in Postpartum Depression: A Narrative Review.

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 174 million women worldwide and is characterized by profound sadness, anxiety, irritability, and debilitating fatigue, which disrupt maternal caregiving and the mother-infant relationship. Limited pharmacological interventions are currently available. Our understanding of the neurobiological pathophysiology of PPD remains incomplete, potentially hindering the development of novel treatment strategies. Recent hypotheses suggest that PPD is driven by a complex interplay of hormonal changes, neurotransmitter imbalances, inflammation, genetic factors, psychosocial stressors, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. This narrative review examines recent clinical studies on PPD within the past 15 years, emphasizing advancements in neuroimaging findings and blood biomarker detection. Additionally, we summarize recent laboratory work using animal models to mimic PPD, focusing on hormone withdrawal, HPA axis dysfunction, and perinatal stress theories. We also revisit neurobiological results from several brain regions associated with negative emotions, such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. These insights aim to improve our understanding of PPD's neurobiological mechanisms, guiding future research for better early detection, prevention, and personalized treatment strategies for women affected by PPD and their families.

Study of Mother-infant Behavioural Relationships based on Structural Equation Modelling and LightGBM Regression Models

Study of Mother-infant Behavioural Relationships based on Structural Equation Modelling and LightGBM Regression Models

Co-regulation, relationship quality, and infant distress vocalizations observed during mother-infant interactions: Influences of maternal depression and different contexts.

Mother-infant interactions are co-regulated and provide the foundation for mother-infant relationship quality. The implications of maternal depression and contextual demands (i.e., reinstating the interaction following maternal unavailability and vocalized infant distress) on observationally coded co-regulation in mother-infant dyads (n=40) at 4-months was investigated. Associations among co-regulation patterns and mother-infant relationship quality was also examined. Dyads participated in Still-Face (SF) and Separation (SP) procedures, with periods of maternal emotional and physical unavailability. Co-regulation was captured using the Revised Relational Coding System. Relationship quality was examined using the Emotional Availability Scales. Dyads in the depressed group had significantly more unilateral exchanges than the non-depressed group following the SF and SP perturbations. The depressed group also had significantly more distress vocalizations during the SP perturbation than the non-depressed group. Co-regulation in the depressed group was less disrupted by the SF perturbation. Positive relationship quality dimensions (maternal sensitivity, structuring, and infant responsiveness) were associated with more symmetrical and less unilateral co-regulation regardless of the interaction period. There were also context-specific results pertaining to patterns of co-regulation and associated maternal hostility and infant responsiveness. Results highlight co-regulatory differences in depressed mothers and their infants and how these differences are exacerbated by contextual demands.

Motherhood Role from a Postpartum Perspective: Effects Reflected by High-Risk and Normal Pregnancies.

High-risk pregnancies not only heighten concerns about the baby's health but also have the potential to impact the mother-infant relationship by shifting the mother's focus towards her own health needs. This study aims to delve into the intricacies of motherhood roles among women experiencing high-risk pregnancies compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies, aiming to shed light on the disparities between the two groups. The participants of this descriptive, comparative, and correlational study consisted of literate mothers admitted to a hospital in Eastern Turkey, diagnosed with high-risk pregnancies, and with no prior history of psychological support. Due to an inability to reach the entire population, an unknown sampling method was employed for sampling calculation. The sample comprised 133 mothers with high-risk pregnancies and an equal number of healthy mothers, totaling 266 participants. Data were collected using the "Maternal Introduction Form" and the "Maternal Role Gaining Scale", and analyses were conducted using the SPSS Statistical Programme. Given the non-normal distribution of the variables, nonparametric tests were applied post reliability analysis. There is a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the scores of maternal attitude and anxiety, as well as maternal role and the Maternal Role Gaining Scale, based on various demographic factors such as marriage duration, spouse's education, family economic status, pre-pregnancy health issues, medication use, hospitalization status and reason, assigned sex of the baby and desired gender, total pregnancies, mode of delivery, postpartum difficulties, support for baby care, feeding method, high-risk pregnancy diagnosis, and week of diagnosis. A Bonferroni corrected analysis also revealed significant differences between mothers with and without high-risk pregnancies.

Effects of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact on mother-infant relationship and maternal psychology feelings: A qualitative study.

To explore the effects of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact on mother-infant relationship and maternal psychology feelings. An exploratory qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews. A total of 64 mother-infant pairs who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the experimental subjects to receive early and continuous intervention of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact (SSC). On this basis, the qualitative research method of procedural grounded theory was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 18 puerperas before discharge from the hospital; the three-level coding method of procedural grounded theory and Graneheim & Lundman qualitative content analysis method were combined to conductinterview content analysis in Nvivo 12 software, so as to extractcore categories and condense the theme. (1) The data were coded to extract five core categories, namely, birth experience, role transition, contact perception, mother-infant connection and parental efficacy; (2) there were statistically significant differences in the number of coding reference points in five nodes before and after SSC, that is, mothers' positive feelings, newborns' physical characteristics noticed by their mothers, mother-infant connection, role transition and birth experience. The number of coding reference points after SSC was statistically significant greater than before SSC; (3) The coding interview results showed that SSC could promote the sense of happiness in nurturing.

"Finding my voice again" - women's experiences of psychological therapy in perinatal secondary care settings: a qualitative study.

Although women often experience mental health comorbidities in the perinatal period, the evidence-base for psychological therapy across diagnostic boundaries in the perinatal period remains limited. As there is a need to understand experiences of therapy, irrespective of diagnosis, to inform intervention provision, the aims of this study were to explore women's experiences of psychological therapy for perinatal mental health difficulties and to identify the mechanisms that women attributed to the most significant therapeutic change for themselves and/or the mother-infant relationship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 women who received therapy within specialist perinatal community mental health settings in the Northwest of England, the UK. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. One overarching theme entitled participant life stories were at the heart of therapy was identified alongside three other main themes: 1.) We're in this together - therapeutic bond and establishing a coherent sense of self, 2.) Surfing the urge to 'fix' feelings - Sitting with emotions improved regulation and 3.) Seeing myself in a new light - Shifting self-blame to self-compassion enhanced self-efficacy. Theme 1 consisted of three subthemes. Participants described the quality of the therapeutic relationship as the fundamental foundation to (re)connecting with their needs, values and boundaries, which improved their sense of agency, self-esteem, therapeutic engagement and self-understanding. Shifting emotional avoidance to emotional engagement improved their self-regulation. Considering alternative factors that could have contributed to their experiences helped them to defuse self-blame and enhance self-compassion. Finally, changes in their mental health led to positive relational changes in their relationship with their infant and improved communication with partners. Sensitivity, engagement and responsivity experienced in the therapist-woman relationship was reported to be mirrored in the mother-infant relationship. Developing a coherent sense of self and self-regulation skills both appeared to heighten women's self-compassion and empathy for their infants, which also seemed to improve their ability to tolerate uncertainty and mixed emotions within themselves and their infants. The mechanisms of change in the perinatal period are important to consider at a stakeholder, therapist and service management level to parsimoniously and best meet the needs of women and the mother-infant relationship.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Impaired Maternal-Infant Bonding among Mothers Attending Young Child Clinic in Kampala, Uganda.

Impaired maternal-infant bonding can have a negative impact on the mother-infant relationship, affecting the social, emotional, and cognitive development of a child. In Uganda, there is a paucity of literature on impaired maternal-infant bonding. This quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with impaired maternal-infant bonding. Postnatal mothers (n = 422) attending the Young Child Clinic at Kawempe National Referral Hospital participated in the study. Maternal-infant bonding was measured using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Participants with a score ≥ 13 on the PBQ were considered to have impaired maternal-infant bonding. The prevalence of impaired maternal-infant bonding among mothers was 45% (190/422). Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with impaired maternal-infant bonding. Unmarried mothers (AOR = 2.05, 95% [CI = 1.03-4.09], p = 0.041), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 5.19, 95% [CI = 3.07-8.82], p < 0.001), first-time mothers (AOR = 2.46, 95% [CI = 1.37-4.43], p = 0.003), female infant (AOR = 1.80, 95% [CI = 1.13-2.86], p = 0.013), mothers with no/low education levels (AOR = 2.29, 95% [CI = 1.05-4.50], p = 0.036), and those who delivered post term (AOR = 2.49, 95% [CI = 1.10-5.67], p = 0.028) were more likely to have impaired maternal-infant bonding. Nurses and midwives in postnatal care should include maternal-infant bonding within their client's assessment and provide supportive mother-centered care. Interventions to improve maternal-infant bonding should be created and implemented in clinical practice.

Associations Between Breastfeeding, Maternal Emotional Availability, and Infant-Mother Attachment: The Role of Coparenting.

Breastfeeding is a parenting practice that combines close intimate contact with the opportunity to be sensitive and responsive to the infant, and may have direct and indirect relations with infant attachment. However, researchers have produced inconsistent findings, suggesting there may be other mechanisms involved. Coparenting may play a significant role, as it has been consistently associated with mother-infant relationships. The aims of this study were to examine: (1) whether breastfeeding would be directly associated with infant-mother attachment; (2) whether this association was also indirect, through mothers' quality of caregiving; and (3) whether partners' coparenting support moderates breastfeeding's indirect association with attachment. This was a prospective, longitudinal study that drew data from a larger NIH-funded study on sleep and family relationships (R01HD052809). Mothers reported on their feeding practices and coparenting relationships. Independent observations were used to assess mothers' emotional availability toward infants. A separate team of observers assessed infant-mother attachment. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months, and longer duration of any breastfeeding across the 1st year, were directly associated with more secure infant-mother attachment. These associations were also indirect, through maternal emotional availability. Coparenting was a significant moderator, such that the influence of longer breastfeeding duration on improved emotional availability, and, in turn, on more secure attachment, was significant only for mothers who perceived coparenting quality to be low. Findings highlighted the importance of breastfeeding on both the quality of mothering and infant attachment, but also emphasized that coparenting support may be particularly important for mothers who are unable to breastfeed.

Postnatal care provided by UK midwifery units and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey using the UK Midwifery Study System (UKMidSS)

BackgroundPostnatal care supports healthy transitions to parenthood, mother-infant relationships, and breastfeeding establishment. Highly valued by women and families, it is often an area where parents report low satisfaction compared with other areas of maternity care. Most research about postnatal care is hospital-focused. Little is known about postnatal services provided by midwifery units, and any changes to this provision since the COVID-19 pandemic. AimTo describe postnatal care services provided by UK midwifery units and examine the extent to which provision was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe carried out a national survey online between January–June 2022 using the United Kingdom Midwifery Study System (UKMidSS). We asked about postnatal care provision in alongside midwifery units (AMU) and freestanding midwifery units (FMU), before the COVID-19 pandemic (July–December 2019) and shortly after restrictions were eased (January–June 2022). FindingsOverall 131 (67 %) midwifery units responded to the survey, 76 (62 %) AMUs and 55 (75 %) FMUs, from 75 % of eligible NHS organisations. In 2022, 66 % of AMUs reported that women typically stayed for 6–24 h after a straightforward birth, while 70 % of FMUs reported typical postnatal stays of <6 h. For 2019, significantly more FMUs reported providing outpatient postnatal services compared with AMUs (98 % vs 57 %, p < 0.001). From 2019 to 2022 there were significant reductions in partners staying overnight in midwifery units (65 %–42 %, p < 0.001), and in the provision of outpatient postnatal breastfeeding groups (23 %–15 %, p < 0.01) and other postnatal groups (7 %–2 %, p = 0.02). ConclusionsThe findings document the ways in which postnatal care provision differs between AMUs and FMU, with potential consequences for choice and experience for women. They are also congruent with evidence that maternity care was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a reduction in postnatal visiting for partners and in postnatal group support services.

Computer vision analysis of mother-infant interaction identified efficient pup retrieval in V1b receptor knockout mice

Close contact between lactating rodent mothers and their infants is essential for effective nursing. Whether the mother’s effort to retrieve the infants to their nest requires the vasopressin-signaling via V1b receptor has not been fully defined. To address this question, V1b receptor knockout (V1bKO) and control mice were analyzed in pup retrieval test. Because an exploring mother in a new test cage randomly accessed to multiple infants in changing backgrounds over time, a computer vision-based deep learning analysis was applied to continuously calculate the distances between the mother and the infants as a parameter of their relationship. In an open-field, a virgin female V1bKO mice entered fewer times into the center area and moved shorter distances than wild-type (WT). While this behavioral pattern persisted in V1bKO mother, the pup retrieval test demonstrated that total distances between a V1bKO mother and infants came closer in a shorter time than with a WT mother. Moreover, in the medial preoptic area, parts of the V1b receptor transcripts were detected in galanin- and c-fos-positive neurons following maternal stimulation by infants. This research highlights the effectiveness of deep learning analysis in evaluating the mother-infant relationship and the critical role of V1b receptor in pup retrieval during the early lactation phase.

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.

Associations between maternal smartphone use and mother-infant responsiveness: A cluster analysis of potential risk and protective factors.

Contradictory results in the extant literature suggests that additional risk factors should be considered when exploring the impacts of maternal smartphone use on mother-infant relationships. This study used cluster analysis to explore whether certain risk factors were implicated in mother-infant dyads with high smartphone use and low mother-infant responsiveness. A cross-sectional survey of 450 participants in the UK measured infant social-emotional development, maternal depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms, wellbeing, social support, smartphone use, and mother-infant responsiveness. Participants were predominantly White (95.3%) and living with a partner (95.2%), with infants who were born full-term (88.9%). Cluster analysis identified three clusters characterized as; cluster (1) "infant at risk" showing high infant development concerns, high maternal smartphone use, and low mother-infant responsiveness; cluster (2) "mother at risk" showing high maternal depressive, anxiety, and stress scores, low social support, high maternal smartphone use, and low mother-infant responsiveness, and cluster (3) "low risk" showing low maternal smartphone use and high mother-infant responsiveness. Significant differences were found between all risk factors, except for maternal smartphone use and mother-infant responsiveness between clusters 1 and 2 suggesting that both clusters require early intervention, although interventions should be tailored towards the different risk factors they are presenting with.

In the Shadows of Motherhood: A Comprehensive Review of Postpartum Depression Screening and Intervention Practices.

This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted landscape of postpartum depression (PPD), exploring its prevalence, impact on maternal and infant well-being, and the efficacy of existing screening and intervention practices. PPD emerges as a critical concern, with implications extending beyond individual mental health to encompass the dynamics of mother-infant relationships and societal well-being. The analysis underscores the complexity of addressing PPD, emphasizing the challenges associated with screening tools and the importance of evidence-based interventions. A call to action resonates throughout, urging healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to prioritize mental health support for new mothers through enhanced screening protocols and improved accessibility to interventions. Furthermore, the review highlights the need for destigmatization and awareness campaigns to foster a supportive environment. Future research directions are outlined, emphasizing the refinement of screening tools, developing innovative interventions, and exploring cultural and socioeconomic influences on PPD outcomes. The review envisions a collaborative effort to dispel the shadows of PPD, striving for a future where mothers receive comprehensive support, ensuring optimal mental health and overall well-being.

The Impact of Postpartum Depression on the Early Mother-Infant Relationship during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perception versus Reality.

Postpartum depression (PPD) can interfere with the establishment of affective bonds between infant and mother, which is important for the cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development of the child. Rates of PPD have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to the added stress and limited support available to new parents. The present study examined whether parenting-related stress, perceived bonding impairments, the quality of observed mother-infant interactions, and salivary oxytocin levels differ between depressed and non-depressed mothers, along with differential impacts of COVID-19 on depressed mothers. Participants included 70 mothers (45 depressed, 25 controls) with infants aged 2-6 months. All data were collected remotely to ease participant burden during the pandemic. Depression was associated with experiences of heightened parenting-related stress and bonding difficulties. These differences were not observed during mother-infant interactions or in salivary oxytocin levels. Differences in COVID-19-related experiences were minimal, though depressed mothers rated slightly higher stress associated with returning to work and financial impacts of the pandemic. Findings highlight the importance of early intervention for PPD to mitigate long-term effects on mothers, children, and families. Additionally, they underscore the need for early intervention to support the developing mother-infant dyad relationship during this crucial time.