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

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first_pagesettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Longitudinal Influences on Maternal–Infant Bonding at 18 Months Postpartum: The Predictive Role of Perinatal and Postpartum Depression and Childbirth Trauma

Save Related Papers Chat with paper by Maria Vega-Sanz 1,*ORCID,Ana Berastegui 1ORCID andAlvaro Sanchez-Lopez 2,* 1 University Institute of Family Studies, Pontifical Comillas University, 28108 Madrid, Spain 2 Department of Personality, Evaluation and Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain * Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed. J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(10), 3424; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14103424 Submission received: 28 March 2025 / Revised: 7 May 2025 / Accepted: 13 May 2025 / Published: 14 May 2025 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Risks and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancy and Childbirth: 2nd Edition) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Browse Figures Versions Notes Abstract Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.