Early mother-child bonding and support are clinically significant, playing a crucial role in preventing postpartum depression.
A recent study published in the ‘Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology’ has uncovered compelling evidence that a strong bond between mother and child is positively linked with a lower risk of postpartum depression (PPD). Maria Antonia Diaz-Ogallar et al. aimed to explore how bonding impacts the likelihood of developing PPD in mothers with infants (6 weeks to 18 months old).
The cross-sectional study involved 1,114 females who completed detailed questionnaires covering sociodemographic, psychosocial, and health variables, as well as the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Mother-Child Bond-Attachment Questionnaire (VAMF-bond).
Higher VAMF-bond scores were significantly associated with the reduced likelihood of PPD, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.85. Additionally, positive birth experiences, high partner support, and strong family support were linked with lower PPD risk. Remarkably, women who engaged in skin-to-skin contact with their infants showed an even lower incidence of depressive symptoms.
Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
Mother-child bond and its relationship with maternal postpartum depression
Maria Antonia Diaz-Ogallar et al.
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