Maternal postnatal bonding and its risk factors: a longitudinal study
E A Rusanen1,2, E M Vierikko3, A R Lahikainen4
1Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 9, 00014, Helsinki, Finland. erja.rusanen@helsinki.fi.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
|December 6, 2025
Summary
Maternal bonding improves postpartum, but psychiatric symptoms and social issues can hinder it. Early identification of bonding difficulties and maternal mental health is key for infant development.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Maternal Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Mother-infant bonding is vital for child development.
- Maternal psychosocial well-being and support influence bonding.
- Longitudinal data on bonding development is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate postnatal maternal bonding development.
- Identify pre- and postnatal psychosocial risk factors for bonding.
- Examine bonding at eight months postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 1298 mothers.
- Assessed psychiatric symptoms and social risk factors.
- Analyzed bonding changes and associated factors.
Main Results:
- Maternal bonding improved from 3 to 8 months postpartum.
- Psychiatric symptoms and social problems correlated with weaker bonding.
- Early bonding issues, low expectations, depression, stress, and anxiety were significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals should screen for bonding difficulties prenatally and perinatally.
- Maternal psychiatric symptoms are crucial considerations for support.
- Early intervention can promote healthy mother-infant bonding.
Keywords:
Adult relationshipsAdverse life eventsAnxietyDepressionFamily atmospherePostnatal bondingPrenatal expectations regarding unborn babyStressMore Related Videos
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