Postnatal Bonding and Barriers: a Literature Review on Helping Secure Mother-Infant Attachment

Authors

Ivory C. Butler, Sarah Lawrence CollegeFollow

Course

Bonding to Wellbeing

Faculty Member

Meghan Jablonski

Files

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review is to explore obstacles that interfere with mother-infant attachment, and what can be done to overcome these barriers. Poor mother-infant attachment can lead to strained relationships in adulthood, the worsening of pre-existing mental health issues in mothers, and a myriad of negative side effects in children, impaired social and emotional health among them. This paper examines peer-reviewed articles on obstacles to mother-infant bonding and proposes potential solutions. Methods that were found to enhance attachment include maximizing skin to skin contact, treating postpartum pathology, and reducing emotional distress in pregnancy and labor.

Publication Date

Spring 2020

Document Type

Research Paper

Copyright

© Ivory C. Butler

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Recommended Citation

Butler, Ivory C., "Postnatal Bonding and Barriers: a Literature Review on Helping Secure Mother-Infant Attachment" (2020). Selected Undergraduate Works. 12.
https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/undergrad_selectedworks/12

Open Access

1