Mothers' views on mother-infant attachment

Abstract

Mother-infant attachment is a fundamental process for the development of the infant. The maternal emotions and feelings towards the infant and the way she perceives her infant, are important factors, though not the only ones, which determine the maternal attachment to her infant. The promotion of mother-infant attachment following childbirth is an important aspect of motherhood as well as the overall life of the family. In consideration of this, this quantitative study was carried out to explore the mothers' views on their attachment with their infants. A sample of 48 Maltese postnatal mothers was selected by convenience sampling from the Well Baby Clinic of various community Health Centres in Malta. The objectives of this study were to identify the mothers' responses and feelings towards their infants, to explore mothers' perceptions of their infants and to identify the influence of socio-demographics on mother-infant attachment. A questionnaire was administered for the purpose of this study. The response rate was 100% (n=48). The findings of this study revealed that Maltese mothers have positive views on their attachment with the infants. No considerable difference was found in mothers with small infants and in mothers with older infants. The most emergent factor was pleasure in proximity followed by competence, tolerance and acceptance. Cultural issues including the traditional Maltese family values may have influenced the responses. Breastfeeding, emotional preparation for the infant during pregnancy and emotional support during the postnatal period were the most prominent categories perceived as being important to facilitate mother-infant attachment. Recommendations for practice include the provision of maternal care in the context of her family as well as the extension in the period following childbirth where the mother can achieve midwifery care. Recommendations for midwifery education and awareness regarding preparation for parenthood, postnatal emotional support as well as promotion of mother-infant attachment following childbirth are also important. Longitudinal large-scale studies which explore the maternal perspective of mother-infant attachment, qualitative studies as well as studies which explore mother-infant attachment from the maternal and infant's side are also recommended to be carried out locally.