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

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.