Investigation of the effect of bonding-based support given during the perinatal period on maternal bonding.

Abstract

Strengthening prenatal bonding during pregnancy may enhance postpartum mother-infant bonding and improve maternal-infant interactions. This study aimed to examine the effect of Bonding-Based Support provided during the perinatal period on prenatal bonding, early period mother-infant bonding indicators, and maternal bonding. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 70 primigravidae with low prenatal bonding scores (intervention group: n = 34; control group: n = 36). In addition to standard hospital care, the intervention group received a "Bonding-Based Support Program," designed to enhance maternal-infant bonding. This hybrid intervention included video-based online training during pregnancy and face-to-face counselling and support immediately after birth. Data were collected using the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), the Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI), and the Early Period Mother-Infant Bonding Indicators Assessment Scale. Pre-test scores from the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) and its sub-dimensions (Attachment Quality and Time Spent on Attachment) showed no significant differences between groups. However, post-test MAAS scores and sub-dimensions were significantly higher in the intervention group. Significant improvements were also observed in the intervention group on the Early Period Mother-Infant Bonding Indicators Assessment Scale. Moreover, maternal bonding assessed by the Maternal Attachment Inventory was significantly better in the intervention group compared to the control. The findings indicate that providing Bonding-Based Support during the early perinatal period has a positive impact on maternal bonding, as shown by both self-reported measures and observational indicators. This highlights the potential of targeted bonding support programmes to promote early and sustained maternal-infant connections.