A longitudinal study of bonding failure related to aspects of traumatic birth experience among Japanese mothers

Abstract Background: A traumatic birth experience may affect mother-infant bonding. This study examined the relationship between aspects of traumatic birth experience and bonding failure for mothers at 1 month and 4 months after delivery. Methods: This longitudinal study surveyed 130 mothers at 1 month (T1) and 4 months (T2) after delivery. We performed multiple regression analysis with the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) as the dependent variable and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Relationship Questionnaire (RQ), Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve score (F.APGAR), and demographic data as independent variables. Results: The IES-R and the EPDS were relevant factors for the PBQ at T1. The IES-R was not a relevant factor, but the EPDS was a relevant factor for the PBQ at T2. The IES-R at T1 was not a predictor for the PBQ at T2. The PBQ at T1 was the largest predictor for the PBQ at T2, when compared with the EPDS, F.APGAR, and dismissive attachment pattern (RQ) at T1. Conclusions: A traumatic birth experience had a strong influence on bonding failure at T1. However, the important factor affecting bonding failure was not a traumatic birth experience, but depression at T2. If a traumatic birth experience is accompanied by depression at T2, it may affect bonding failure. The bonding failure affected by the traumatic birth experience at T1 could affect bonding failure at T2. Health professionals should assess the degree of the traumatic birth experience and start to care for mothers at T1.