Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Respectful Maternity Care and Postpartum Emotional Distress: The Mediating Role of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
Chidinma Oli1, MaryBeth Rhomberg2, Cynthia Garvan3
1Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Introduction:
Respectful maternity care (RMC) is a critical component of high-quality maternal care, yet its relationship with postpartum emotional distress remains underexplored. This study examined the mediating role of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative practices and moderating effects of support in the association between RMC and postpartum emotional distress.
Methods:
We analyzed cross-sectional postpartum survey data from 207 women at a US based academic medical center. RMC was measured using the Mothers on Respect Index (MORi), and postpartum emotional distress was modeled as a latent construct comprising nervousness, sadness, anhedonia, and worry. We used Structural Equation Modeling with bootstrapped confidence intervals (n = 5000) to test for mediation and simple slope analysis to explore moderation by emotional and practical support.
Results:
The median (SD) MORi score was 77 (12.0). RMC was associated with lower postpartum emotional distress [β = -0.224; 95% CI [-0.390, -0.059]], and was moderated by emotional support (β = 0.152, p = 0.014). Specifically, higher RMC was associated with lower distress among women with low emotional support (p = 0.002), but not among those with high emotional support (p = 0.968). However, practical support did not moderate the association. The indirect effect through Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative practices was significant [β = -0.044; 95% CI [-0.102, -0.003]].
Conclusions:
RMC may reduce postpartum emotional distress in part through the implementation of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative practices. The protective effect of RMC was strongest among women with lower emotional support. Our preliminary findings call for the need for longitudinal studies and replication in more diverse populations.
Related Concept Videos
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative Parenting
This...
Attachment
Parental Care
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
