Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale Research Articles

Identifying distinct subtypes of mother-to-infant bonding using latent profile analysis in a nationwide Japanese study.

Mother-to-infant bonding (MIB) is foundational for nurturing behaviors and an infant's development. Identifying risk factors for difficulties or problems in MIB is vital. However, traditional research often dichotomizes MIB using cutoff thresholds, overlooking its underlying complexities. This research utilizes latent profile analysis (LPA) to discern MIB subtypes in a nationwide Japanese dataset. We conducted LPA on data from the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), collected from 3,877 postpartum women within one year of childbirth. To empirically validate the derived profiles, we examined their associated risk factors, focusing on sociodemographic, health, and perinatal variables. Four distinct MIB profiles emerged. Profile 1 indicated minimal difficulties, while Profile 4 exhibited severe multifaceted difficulties. Profiles 2 and 3 showed moderate difficulties distinguished by lack of positive affection and presence of negative affection (especially indifference), respectively. Compared to Profile 1, women in Profiles 2-4 had a higher likelihood of postpartum depression and low family support. Each profile also presented unique risk factors: medium family support in Profile 2, maternal working status in Profile 3, and pre-pregnancy underweight status in Profile 4. Notably, both Profiles 3 and 4 were also linked to increased feelings of loneliness since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study represents the first application of LPA to MIB, revealing distinct subtypes and their respective risk profiles. These insights promise to enhance and personalize early interventions for difficulties in MIB, affirming the necessity of acknowledging MIB's heterogeneity.

Maternal Viewing of Infants in Intensive Care Increases Milk Production and Maternal Bonding

Objective:The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of mothers watching a video of their infant on human milk and maternal bonding.Methods:A nonrandomized controlled trial in a city hospital was conducted with 27 babies and their mothers. The Information Form, Breastfeeding Assessment Form, and Mother to Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) were used as data collection tools.Results:It was determined that the amount of human milk of the participants in the experimental group increased on the third day compared to the control group. On the third day, the MIBS scores of the experimental group were found to be significantly lower than the control group.Conclusions:It was concluded that watching the video of the infant increased the amount of milk and mother bonding.

Primiparas' prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin level predict early postnatal maternal-infant bonding: a Japanese longitudinal study.

It was reported that maternal-infant bonding failure predicts abusive parenting. Maternal-infant bonding is important to prevent child abuse. This study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, cortisol, and oxytocin levels, and postnatal maternal-infant bonding. The participants completed a self-report prenatal questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in the second trimester. Blood and saliva were collected in the second trimester. Cortisol levels were measured in plasma, while oxytocin levels were measured in saliva. Postnatal questionnaires, including the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), were administered at 2-5days, 1month, and 3months postpartum. Multiple linear regression and generalized estimating equation (GEE) were conducted for analysis. Sixty-six primiparas participated in the study. Prenatal depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 9) and anxiety (STAI-S ≥ 42) were observed in 21.2% and 28.8% of the participants, respectively. The median cortisol and oxytocin levels were 21.0µg/dL and 30.4pg/mL, respectively. Multivariate linear regression showed that postnatal social support, prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin levels predicted MIBS scores at 2-5days postpartum. At 1month postpartum, household income, history of miscarriage, postnatal social support, and prenatal anxiety predicted MIBS scores. At 3months postpartum, only postnatal social support predicted MIBS scores. The results of GEE showed that prenatal anxiety, oxytocin levels, postpartum period, household income, and postpartum social support were associated with MIBS scores. Prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and lower salivary oxytocin levels were predicted to worsen maternal-infant bonding at 2-5days postpartum. Prenatal anxiety was predicted to cause the same 1month postpartum. Measuring prenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety, and salivary oxytocin levels may render the assessment of the risk of maternal-infant bonding failure during the early postpartum period and intervene during pregnancy possible.

Mother-to-infant bonding difficulties are associated with future maternal depression and child-maltreatment behaviors: A Japanese nationwide longitudinal study

BackgroundMother-to-infant bonding difficulties (MIBD) are considered risk factors for postpartum depression and child-maltreatment behaviors. However, few longitudinal studies have examined this hypothesis. This study aims to explore the relationship between MIBD and subsequent maternal depression and child-maltreatment behaviors using longitudinal data from a 2021 Japanese nationwide survey. MethodsWe studied 658 first-time mothers who had given birth within the past year and had not reported postpartum depression or child-maltreatment behaviors at baseline. The Japanese version of Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) was used to measure MIBD. Subjects were monitored for six months and subsequently completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and responded to inquiries about child-maltreatment behaviors. ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, MIBD was associated with higher odds of maternal depression (OR=1.737, 95% CI [1.078, 2.797]) and child-maltreatment behaviors (OR=2.040, 95% CI [1.401, 2.970]) six months later. Further analysis indicated that MIBD was particularly associated with a heightened risk of emotional abuse (OR=2.172, 95% CI [1.486, 3.176]). Sensitivity analysis, using inverse probability weighting to address selection bias or with an alternative cutoff score of 5, corroborated these findings. ConclusionProactive screening for MIBD could serve as a valuable tool in the detection of maternal depression and potential child-maltreatment behaviors.

Risk factors for persistent versus episodic mother-to-infant bonding difficulties in postpartum women in a nationwide Japanese longitudinal study

BackgroundThe quality of mother-to-infant bonding (MIB) is a crucial determinant of nurturing behaviors and infant development, with bonding difficulties (MIBD) posing a substantial threat. While it is essential to identify MIBD risk factors, previous studies have generally examined MIBD at one time point, leaving the contributors to persistent MIBD uncertain. This study aims to discern longitudinal risk factors for persistent versus episodic MIBD. MethodsWe evaluated 1833 postpartum Japanese women who delivered in the past twelve months, utilizing the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) and other sociodemographic, health, pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing related data (T1). Follow-up data were obtained six months later (T2). MIBD was defined as a MIBS score of five or more, with “persistent” and “episodic” MIBD classified based on its occurrence at both or either one of the time points, respectively. Logistic generalized estimating equations and inverse probability weighting were used to identify risk factors and address selective attribution bias. ResultsOf the subjects, 15.8 % reported episodic and 11.3 % reported persistent MIBD. Shared risk factors for both conditions included postpartum depression and low levels of family support (OR = 1.501–6.343). However, pre-pregnancy underweight status (OR = 1.698) was a unique risk factor for episodic MIBD, while first-time motherhood, no or discontinuation of breastfeeding, and later postpartum months (OR = 1.540–3.179) were distinctive risk factors for persistent MIBD. ConclusionWe identified both shared and unique risk factors for episodic and persistent MIBD. Particular attention should be afforded to persistent MIBD and early and proactive interventions to mitigate identified risk factors are recommended.

Psychological risk factors for upper extremity fractures in preschool children: A case-control study.

In school-age children, upper extremity fractures are associated with both parental and child-related factors and represent a multifactorial entity. This study aims to explore the psychological risk factors associated with upper extremity fractures in preschool children. This single-center, hospital-based, age-matched case-control study involved 55 cases of upper extremity fractures and 55 controls experiencing growing pains. Parents of the children participated in face-to-face interviews. We examined the potential as-sociations between scores on the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the risk of upper extremity fractures. Advanced parental age and lower household income emerged as risk factors for upper extremity fractures, while longer maternal educational attainment was identified as a protective factor. In the univariate analyses, elevated scores on the Autism-Spec-trum Quotient Communication subscale (AQ-C), overall AQ score, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Hyperactivity subscale (SDQ-H), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Emotional and Peer Problems subscale (SDQ-Int) were associated with an increased fracture risk (Odds Ratio [OR] (95% Confidence Interval [CI]): 1.15 (1.05-1.27), OR: 1.05 (1.01-1.09), OR: 1.25 (1.01-1.54), and OR: 1.19 (1.04-1.37), respectively). The AQ-C and SDQ-Int scales remained statistically significant as risk factors for upper ex-tremity fractures (OR: 1.15 (1.02-1.28) and OR: 1.21 (1.02-1.43), respectively) in the multivariate regression analyses. Our findings suggest that psychological factors affecting both parents and children could potentially increase the risk of upper extremity fractures in preschool children.

First-Time Parents' Bonding with Their Baby: A Longitudinal Study on Finnish Parents during the First Eight Months of Parenthood.

Early positive bonding between parents and babies promotes the development of parenting skills and parents' sensitivity to their infant's needs. Positive bonding has been suggested to decrease the risk of maltreatment. There is less research into the differences between primiparae's and their spouses' bonding with their baby and changes in the parent-to-infant bonding during the first year of the baby's life. The aim of this study was to describe bonding with one's baby and related differences and changes within first-time parents. The data were collected from nine maternal health clinics in 2019-2021 in one city in Finland. The Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used. The data were collected during pregnancy (T1) and when the baby was aged 1-2 months (T2) and 6-8 months (T3). The questionnaire was completed separately by the primiparae (n = 81 at T1) and their spouses (n = 79 at T1). The findings demonstrated that both parents had positive feelings for their baby. The primiparae's and their spouses' MIBS scores were relatively low at T2 and T3. The change between time points or the difference in the parents' bonding was not statistically significant when examining MIBS total scores. The present study identified a positive weak-to-moderate correlation between the MIBS and EPDS. This association was highlighted in the group of primiparae. The results of this study can be used to develop maternity and child health clinic services, and to promote parents' equal growth in parenthood.

Effects of Varied Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Postpartum Mental Health and the Association between Prenatal Erythrocyte Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels and Postpartum Mental Health.

We investigated the postpartum mental health of women who had consumed perilla oil or fish oil containing various omega-3 fatty acids for 12 weeks starting in mid-pregnancy. The association between fatty acids in maternal erythrocytes and mental health risk factors was also examined. Healthy Japanese primiparas in mid-pregnancy (gestational weeks 18-25) were randomly divided into two groups and consumed approximately 2.0 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids in either perilla oil (the ALA dose was 2.4 g/day) or fish oil (the EPA + DHA dose was 1.7 g/day) for 12 weeks. Maternal mental health was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as the primary measure and the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) as the secondary measure. Data from an observational study were used as a historical control. Maternal blood, cord blood, and colostrum samples were collected for fatty acid composition analysis. In addition, completers of the observational studies were enrolled in a case-control study, wherein logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between maternal fatty acids and EPDS score. The proportion of participants with a high EPDS score (≥9) was significantly lower in the perilla oil group (12.0%, p = 0.044) but not in the fish oil group (22.3%, p = 0.882) compared with the historical control (21.6%), while the proportions between the former groups also tended to be lower (p = 0.059). No marked effect of omega-3 fatty acid intake was observed from the MIBS results. In the case-control study of the historical control, high levels of α-linolenic acid in maternal erythrocytes were associated with an EPDS score of <9 (odds ratio of 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.06, 0.84, p = 0.018 for trend). The results of this study suggest that consumption of α-linolenic acid during pregnancy may stabilize postpartum mental health.

Anne-Bebek Bağlanması ve Psikolojik Sağlamlık Arasındaki İlişkide Doğum Memnuniyetinin Moderatör Etkisi: Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

Objectives:This study was conducted to evaluate the moderator role of birth satisfaction in its correlation with mother-infant bonding and psychological resilience. Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. The population of this study consisted of puerperal women who gave birth in a public hospital in Turkey. The sample size was calculated as at least 437 puerperal women and included 491 puerperal women in total. Personal Introduction Form, the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Mother to Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), and Birth Satisfaction Scale–Short Form (BSS–Short) were used to collect data. Results:Mean age of puerperal women included in this study was 28.07±5.17. The mean BSS-Short total score was 20.35±6.07, the mean MIBS total score was 1.73±2.44, and the mean BRS total score was 19.18± 4.50. In this study, it was determined that the correlation between birth satisfaction and mother-infant bonding increased as the level of psychological resilience increased. In addition to this, the simple slope analysis revealed that the effect of psychological resilience on mother-infant bonding was not significant in cases where birth satisfaction was high(B=-0.22,p=0.10) and the effect of psychological resilience on mother-infant bonding was significant in cases where birth satisfaction was moderate(B=-0.44,p=0.001) and high(B=-.71,p=0.001). Conclusion:It was concluded that the strength of the correlation between psychological resilience and mother-infant binding increased in cases where birth satisfaction was high.

Factors associated with father–infant bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic: an internet-based cross-sectional study in Japan

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced lifestyles changes and affected the relationships between fathers and their infants. However, the factors associated with paternal–infant bonding have not been clarified. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with father–infant bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. This cross-sectional study used data from a nationwide survey and the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) to measure father–infant bonding. The participants were divided into two groups depending on their partners’ parity. A linear regression model (Gauss–Markov-type) was used for both groups. A total of 1055 men were included in the analysis. Of these men, 521 (49.4%) had a primipara partner, and 534 (50.6%) had a multipara partner. No significant differences were found between the two groups’ MIBS-J scores. Fathers’ mental health, relationship with the partner and family members, abusive behavior towards children, wanted pregnancy, and the youngest child’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission history were associated with father–infant bonding. Regarding factors related to COVID-19, caring for the child while the partner is at home has a negative impact on bonding, while fear related to infection with COVID-19 has no negative impact on bonding.

Relationships among autistic traits, depression, anxiety, and maternal–infant bonding in postpartum women

BackgroundAlthough several studies have found significant relationships between autistic traits and depression/anxiety, the relationships between autistic traits and postpartum depression/anxiety remain unclear. Moreover, few studies have examined the relationships between autistic traits and mother–infant bonding while considering depression or anxiety.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional data analysis design. Participants were 2692 women who completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) at 1 month postpartum. We performed path analysis that included parity, the five AQ subscales (social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination), both HADS subscales (anxiety and depression), and the two MIBS subscales (lack of affection and anger and rejection).ResultsOur path analysis revealed that higher scores for social skills, attention switching, communication, and imagination were associated with higher scores for depression. Higher scores for social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, and communication were associated with higher scores for anxiety. Moreover, difficulties in social skills and imagination were associated with failure of maternal–infant bonding. However, more attention to detail was associated with better maternal–infant bonding.ConclusionsThis study suggests that maternal autistic traits are related to anxiety and depression to a certain degree, but only slightly related to maternal–infant bonding at 1 month postpartum. To improve autistic women’s quality of life and that of their newborns, perinatal mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and maternal–fetal bonding difficulties should be appropriately addressed.

Investigation of the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mother to infant bonding in postpartum women

&lt;b&gt;Objective: &lt;/b&gt;The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and mother to infant bonding in postpartum women.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Material and methods: &lt;/b&gt;This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted online from social media platforms. The women who were in the postpartum period (between 1-40 days), using smart phones, and healthy for themselves and their babies were included in the study. The sample was determined by power analysis and the study was completed with 205 puerperal women. Personal Information Form, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fear Scale and Mother to Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) were used to collect data.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results: &lt;/b&gt;It was determined that the mean score of the Women's Fear of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scale was 16.85±6.42 and the mean score of the Mother to Infant Bonding Scale was 3.18±3.58. It was found that there was no significant relationship between fear of coronavirus and mother to infant bonding levels of the women participating in the study (r=0.046, p=0.478). It has been observed that the income status of women, regular doctor check-ups, having a coronavirus disease, being vaccinated against COVID-19 affect the fear of COVID-19, while mother to infant bonding is affected by regular doctor check-ups, being vaccinated against COVID-19, and losing their family due to COVID-19.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/b&gt;It was concluded that women in the postpartum period should be supported by health professionals from the pregnancy period in order to cope with the fear of COVID-19 and to achieve safe and healthy mother to infant bonding.

Postpartum maternal anxiety and depression during COVID-19 pandemic: Rates, risk factors and relations with maternal bonding

ObjectivesThis study aims to determine the rates of clinically-significant anxiety and depressive symptoms during the immediate postpartum in a sample of women referred to a university maternity department, as well as the associated risk factors and the relations with the level of maternal bonding. Patients and methodsDuring the third national lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic (February-April 2021), on days 2–3 after delivery 127 mothers were administrated the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI-YA), the mother-to-infant bonding scale (MIBS) and questions issued from the coronavirus health impact survey questionnaire (CRISIS). ResultsThe rate of perinatal clinically-significant symptoms were 17% for depression (EPDS cut-off ≥12) and 15% for anxiety (STAI-YA cut-off ≥40). In the multivariate analysis, being a single mother, risk of being infected by the SARS-CoV2, risk that a close relative might be infected by the SARS-CoV2 and the length of stay in maternity were associated with an increased EPDS total score, while breastfeeding was associated with a lower EPDS total score. Six variables remained positively associated with the STAI-YA total score in the multivariate model: the maternal level of academic achievement, a hospitalization during the pregnancy, peripartum medical complications, risk of being infected by the SARS-CoV2, risk of a close relative being infected by the SARS-CoV2 and physical fatigue. Low but statistically significant correlations were found between the MIBS total score and the EPDS total score (rs=0.26) and with the STAI-YA total score (rs=0.26). DiscussionThe observed rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms were in the same range as those reported in observational studies conducted in high-resource countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk of being infected by the SARS-CoV2 was both an independent risk factor for anxiety and depressive symptoms. The relations between the measure of maternal bonding and the severity of maternal emotional symptoms call for a better consideration of the long-term consequences of the pandemic on children's socio-emotional development.

A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of the Mother-To-Infant Bonding Scale.

The Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) is among the most popular measurement tools to evaluate caregiver-infant attachment. We carried out a meta-analysis study to explore the generalizability of the reliability coefficients for the MIBS in different studies. The literature review yielded a total of 702 studies investigating caregiver-infant attachment. After removing duplicate studies, we also excluded compilations, meta-analyses, qualitative studies, those using different measurement tools, studies published in a language other than English, citations, and those whose full texts could not be accessed. Eventually, we considered a total of 26 studies with 33 Cronbach's alpha coefficients that satisfied the inclusion criteria. We normalized the alpha coefficients using Bonett's transformation, and the analyses were performed using a 95% confidence interval. The findings revealed a Cronbach's alpha (n = 33) coefficient of 0.73 (CI = 0.68-0.77); hence, the present reliability generalization study provides evidence that the reliability scores produced after measurements with the MIBS in previous studies are acceptable across samples. Overall, further studies may reliably utilize the MIBS to evaluate mother-infant attachment.

The ICHOM Standard Set for Pregnancy and Childbirth - Translation and Linguistic Adaptation for Germany.

Introduction The gathering of health and quality-of-life issues that matter most to patients over so-called patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is a key aspect of patient-centered healthcare. In obstetrics, this approach has the potential to expand the current understanding of what quality entails by including patient perspectives. The International Consortium for Health Outcome Measures (ICHOM), founded in 2012, is a global organization which aims to standardise the collection of PROs and make the results comparable worldwide. A PRO Set for obstetrics, “Pregnancy and Childbirth”, was published in 2018. The aim of our work was to translate the instruments of this set that are not yet available in German into German. Methods The instruments were translated from English into German using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) translation method. The translated instruments consisted of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale – Short Form (BSES-SF), the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), and the Birth Satisfaction Scale – Revised (BSS-R) as well as a number of individual questions (items). Results The final version of the German translations were found to be easily comprehensible by the target group. During the cognitive debriefing, it became clear that pregnant women and women who had just given birth often used a number of medically incorrect terms to refer to their symptoms or complaints. In the translations great care was taken to ensure that the wording was as close as possible to the general usage of the language while at the same time the terminology was medically correct. To achieve a precise but comprehensible translation, the response structure of the BSES-SF also had to be adapted. Conclusions The instruments of the ICHOM Standard Set “Pregnancy and Childbirth”, which were not previously available in German, were successfully translated into German. This meant dealing with a few challenges such as adapting questions or response structures. The cultural and linguistic comprehensibility of the German translations were confirmed during the subsequent cognitive debriefing. The translations offer the possibility of implementing the complete ICHOM Set for Pregnancy and Childbirth. This would provide an opportunity to expand the existing understanding of quality by including the subjective experience of women during and after childbirth and, in future, to compare outcomes with those of other hospitals across the world.

The Correlation Between Mother-Infant Bonding and Postpartum Depression in Women with A History of Infertility

Purpose: This study investigated the correlation between mother-infant bonding and postpartum depression in women with a history of infertility.&#x0D; Methods: The sample consisted of 169 women divided into two: infertile group (n=56) and fertile group (n=112). Data were collected using a descriptive information questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS).&#x0D; Results: The fertile and infertile groups had a mean age of 28.95±3.38 and 36.55±3.55, respectively (p=0.001). The infertile group had a higher mean MIBS score (3.73±2.91) than the fertile group (1.50±1.29) (p=0.001). However, there was no significant difference in EPDS scores between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between MIBS and EPDS score in the fertile group (r = 0.354, p = 0.001), suggesting that the higher the risk for postpartum depression, the lower the mother-infant bonding. There was no correlation between MIBS and EPDS score in the infertile group (p &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Future studies should recruit larger samples of infertile women with cultural and ethnic diversity and take confounding factors into account to investigate the relationship between postpartum depression and mother-infant bonding.

Erken Postpartum Dönemdeki Kadınların Doğum Memnuniyeti, Anne Bebek Bağlanma Düzeyleri ve Etkileyen Faktörlerin Belirlenmesi

Aim: This study aimed to determine the birth satisfaction, and mother-infant bonding level of women in the early postpartum period and its affecting factors.Method: The research is descriptive, and the sample of the study consists of 556 women in the early postpartum period who gave live birth in a hospital in Burdur province. The data of the study were collected by using the Socio-demographic Characteristics Form, Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS), and Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS). The data were collected by the researchers between 15 March-15 August 2019 through face-to-face interviews at suitable times for the women.Results: Of women in the early postpartum period, 45.9% were within the age range of 26–34 years. It was determined that 97.1% were satisfied with the mode of delivery, and 29.5% defined the birth as a fearful experience. The mean DME score of the women was 3.41 ± 1.88, and the mean ABBÖ score was 98.07 ± 6.39. There was no correlation between MIBS and BSS scores of women. The birth satisfaction of women who were married had a vaginal birth and evaluated the birth experience as happy was found to be significantly higher. It was determined that the mother-infant bonding levels of women who became pregnant intentionally and gave vaginal birth were significantly higher.Conclusion: In the present study, birth satisfaction levels and mother-infant bonding levels were moderate and high, respectively, in women in the early postpartum period.

Psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on one-month postpartum mothers in a metropolitan area of Japan

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has recently become the most important issue in the world. Very few reports in Japan have examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on peripartum mental health. We examined the status of postpartum mental health before and during COVID-19 pandemic from a consecutive database in a metropolitan area of Japan.MethodsThe subjects were women who had completed a maternity health check-up at a core regional hospital in Yokohama during the period from April 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020. We collected the subjects’ scores for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) at 1 month postpartum. The subjects were divided into four groups (three Before COVID-19 groups and a During COVID-19 group). MANOVA and post-hoc tests were used to determine mental health changes in the postpartum period among the four groups.ResultsThe Before and During COVID-19 groups contained 2844 and 1095 mothers, respectively. There were no significant difference in the total scores of the EPDS and MIBS among the four groups. However, the EPDS items related to anxiety factors were significantly higher and the EPDS items related to anhedonia and depression factors (excluding thoughts of self-harm) were significantly lower in the During COVID-19 group.ConclusionThe EPDS scores changed in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety, which represent hypervigilance, was significantly higher and anhedonia and depression were significantly lower in the During COVID-19 group. Our results may reflect COVID-19-related health concerns and a lack of social support caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perceived parenting before adolescence and parity have direct and indirect effects via depression and anxiety on maternal-infant bonding in the perinatal period.

This study was aimed towards detecting how perceived parenting practices before adolescence affect maternal-infant bonding in the perinatal period, considering factors such as depression, anxiety, and parity. We used the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to examine perceived parenting practices. Participants included 1301 pregnant women who completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) at three time points: early pregnancy (approximately 12-15 weeks), late pregnancy (approximately 30-34 weeks) and postpartum (4 weeks after childbirth). We performed a path analysis with factors including parity, PBI subscales (paternal care, paternal overprotection, maternal care and maternal overprotection), HADS and MIBS. Perceived paternal or maternal low care parenting predicted higher HADS and MIBS scores in early pregnancy. Moreover, perceived maternal low care parenting predicted higher HADS scores at postpartum and higher MIBS scores in late pregnancy. Perceived paternal or maternal overprotective parenting predicted higher HADS scores in the pregnancy period. Furthermore, perceived maternal overprotective parenting predicted higher MIBS scores in late pregnancy. Being primipara predicted higher HADS scores at postpartum and higher MIBS scores in early pregnancy and at postpartum. Being multipara predicted higher MIBS scores in late pregnancy. This study suggests that perceived negative parenting before adolescence has indirect effects (via anxiety and depression) and direct effects on maternal-infant bonding in the perinatal period.

Postpartum bonding: the impact of stressful life events during pregnancy

Objective We aimed to determine if and to what extent a woman’s exposure to stressful life events were associated with impaired maternal bonding by using a sample of high-income Italian women. Methods In the second day postpartum, 425 healthy puerperae responded to Life Experiences Survey (LES), Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MBS), and to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results Analysis revealed that the stressful life events scored by LES were a significantly predictor of impaired bonding as measured by MIBS (β = 0.04; t = 3.45; p < .001) and of postpartum depression symptoms as measured by EPDS total score (β = 0.32; t = 4.86; p < .001) as well as its subscales Anhedonia (β = 0.059; t = 4.99; p < .001), Anxiety (β = 0.03; t = 5.72; p < .001), and Depression (β = 0.05; t = 6.53; p < .001). Moreover, the partial correlation between EPDS total score and MIBS accounting for LES positive and negative scores was statistically significant (r = 0.208; n = 332; p < .001). Conclusion The findings emphasize the importance of identifying mothers with negative experiences toward pregnancy and delivery to address possible interventions beyond hospital-based antenatal care to improve bonding and maternal mental outcomes.