Longitudinal Influences on Maternal-Infant Bonding at 18 Months Postpartum: The Predictive Role of Perinatal and Postpartum Depression and Childbirth Trauma.

This study investigated the pathways through which various psychological problems occurring across the perinatal period influence mother-child bonding within the first 18 months postpartum, with a particular focus on the relationship between perinatal and postpartum depression and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptomatology. A multi-stage longitudinal design included three assessment points: recruitment and initial assessment in the third trimester of pregnancy (T1), a second assessment at 8 months postpartum (T2), and a final assessment at 18 months postpartum (T3). A total of N = 51 mothers completed all three waves (total follow-up period per participant: approximately 21 months). Sociodemographic data were collected, and all assessments were completed online. Our findings revealed significant indirect effects, linking higher levels of perinatal depressive symptoms in the third trimester with mother-child bonding difficulties at 18 months postpartum. This association was mediated by both greater childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms and elevated postpartum depressive symptoms at 8 months. These preliminary results highlight how complex perinatal factors at different stages (i.e., during pregnancy and early postpartum) influence mother-child bonding at 18 months postpartum. Understanding these pathways is essential in order to inform targeted interventions and to promote optimal maternal mental health and bonding outcomes.