Improving mother-infant bonding in postnatal depression - The SURE MUMS study
Abigail Hong Yan Loh1, Li Lian Ong2, Flora Su Hui Yong2
1Ministry of Health Holdings Pte Ltd, 1 Maritime Square, #11-25 Harbour Front Centre, 099253, Singapore.
Asian Journal of Psychiatry
|January 13, 2023
Summary
The Sure Mums intervention significantly improved mother-baby bonding and reduced postpartum depression symptoms in mothers facing mental health challenges. This home-based therapy shows promising results for new mothers struggling with bonding.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Maternal-Infant Bonding Research
- Psychological Interventions
Background:
- Postnatal mental health difficulties, including depression and anxiety, can negatively impact mother-baby bonding.
- Early intervention is crucial for supporting new mothers and fostering secure infant attachment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Sure Mums intervention for improving mother-baby bonding among mothers in Singapore.
- To assess the intervention's impact on maternal mental health symptoms and overall functioning.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year study (2017-2019) involving 32 mothers with postnatal mental health and bonding difficulties.
- Home-based therapy sessions were provided, with pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
Main Results:
- Twenty-five mothers completed the study, showing statistically significant improvements in 3 out of 4 PBQ subscales.
- Mean EPDS scores decreased from 17.72 to 9.2, indicating reduced depressive symptoms.
- GAF scores increased by 12-14 points, suggesting enhanced maternal functioning post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- The Sure Mums program demonstrates promising effectiveness in enhancing mother-baby bonding for mothers experiencing postnatal mental health challenges.
- Future efforts aim to expand the SURE MUMS program to support more mothers facing bonding difficulties during the transition to parenthood.
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