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Is childbirth-induced PTSD associated with low maternal attachment?
Sharon Dekel1,2, Freya Thiel3, Gabriella Dishy3
1Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown Navy Yard, 120 2nd Ave, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA. sdekel@mgh.harvard.edu.
Archives of Women'S Mental Health
|May 23, 2018
Summary
Childbirth-related postpartum PTSD significantly lowers maternal attachment. This suggests early screening for at-risk mothers is crucial for supporting infant bonding and maternal mental health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Perinatal Mental Health
Background:
- Maternal attachment is vital for infant development.
- Childbirth-related postpartum PTSD is understudied regarding its impact on maternal bonding.
- Existing research lacks focus on the specific relationship between childbirth trauma and attachment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between childbirth-related postpartum PTSD and maternal attachment.
- To identify factors influencing maternal attachment in the postpartum period.
- To determine if PP-PTSD impacts attachment beyond other pre-existing and situational factors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 685 postpartum women.
- Assessment of postpartum PTSD (childbirth-related and non-childbirth-related) and maternal attachment.
- Hierarchical regression analysis to identify predictors of maternal attachment.
Main Results:
- Maternal attachment was significantly lower in women with PP-PTSD compared to those with non-childbirth PTSD or no PTSD.
- PP-PTSD remained a significant predictor of lower maternal attachment, even after controlling for pre-birth psychiatric conditions, birth distress, and breastfeeding status.
- Factors like pre-birth psychiatric conditions, acute birth distress, and lack of breastfeeding also correlated with attachment.
Conclusions:
- Childbirth-induced posttraumatic stress negatively impacts the development of maternal attachment.
- Screening postpartum women for PP-PTSD is recommended to identify those at risk for impaired maternal bonding.
- Interventions targeting PP-PTSD may improve maternal attachment and overall postpartum well-being.
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