Factors Affecting Postnatal Mother-To-Infant Bonding: A Modelling Study

Bonding is recognised as one of the fundamental processes in terms of the socio-emotional development of the infants and the relationship they establish with the outside world.Mother-to-infant bonding typically initiates during pregnancy and continues to evolve through early childhood, reflecting the mother's emotional orientation toward her infant. The initial postnatal period is the most favourable time for the initiation of a positive mother-to-infant relationship and bonding.An adequate mother-to-infant bonding contributes to the positive physical and socio-emotional development of the child. A weaker mother-to-infant bonding is associated with insecure attachment and depression and anxiety in children. Also, women with weaker mother-to-infant bonding have been found to show less interest in the health of their children. These behaviours cause long-term negative cognitive and socio-emotional development in the child.In a study that assessed the level of mother-to-infant bonding in the postnatal period and the associated factors, in general, a significant proportion of mothers had difficulties in mother-to-infant bonding in the postnatal period. The postpartum period is a critical, complicated period of transition for both the mother and the infant, considering psychological, social, and physiological difficulties. Therefore, the mother-to-infant bonding can be affected by many factors. The aim of this study is to determine the factors that affect the postnatal mother-to-infant bonding.