The consequence of maternal depression for early mother-infant interaction: a nursing issue

Adequate mother-infant interaction during the first year of a child's life is critical for secure attachment and basic to development of the child's lifelong emotional competence. Maternal depression can have decidedly deleterious effects on this delicate process. This article will explore the consequences that maternal depression can have for early maternal-child interaction. It will offer the nurse clinician specific recommendations for assessment and intervention to support the normalization of depressed mothers' parenting.