The Protective Role of Maternal-Fetal Bonding for Postpartum Bonding Following a NICU Admission.

Introduction: Admission of a newborn to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a highly stressful event that affects maternal psychological well-being and disrupts the early maternal-infant bonding relationship. Determining factors that promote maternal-infant bonding among those with a NICU admission is essential for the development of effective interventions. Methods: Using a longitudinal clinic-based sample of diverse and low-income pregnant women, we examined whether maternal-fetal bonding measured during the second trimester moderated the association between NICU admission and postpartum bonding measured at six months post birth, controlling for demographic characteristics. Results: Approximately 18% of the sample experienced a NICU admission at birth. NICU admission was associated with lower postpartum bonding (b = -8.74; p <.001, Model 1), whereas maternal-fetal bonding was associated with higher bonding reported at six months postpartum (b = 3.74, p <.001, Model 2). Results of the interaction revealed that women who reported higher maternal-fetal bonding reported higher postnatal bonding regardless of NICU admission status. Discussion: Because maternal-fetal bonding can be enhanced through intervention, it is a promising target for reducing the risks of NICU admission for the early maternal-infant relationship. Significance: What is Already Known on this Topic?: The experience of a NICU admission is associated with adverse maternal psychological functioning, which in turn has been found to disrupt the early maternal-infant relationship. What this Study Adds?: Maternal-fetal bonding is protective for postnatal bonding when there is a NICU admission. Screening for and enhancing maternal-fetal bonding might be a critical target for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]