Investigation of the effect of bonding-based support given during the perinatal period on maternal bonding

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BACKGROUND: Strengthening prenatal bonding during pregnancy may enhance postpartum mother-infant bonding and improve maternal-infant interactions. This study aimed to examine the effect of Bonding-Based Support provided during the perinatal period on prenatal bonding, early period mother-infant bonding indicators, and maternal bonding. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 70 primigravidae with low prenatal bonding scores (intervention group: n = 34; control group: n = 36). In addition to standard hospital care, the intervention group received a "Bonding-Based Support Program," designed to enhance maternal-infant bonding. This hybrid intervention included video-based online training during pregnancy and face-to-face counselling and support immediately after birth. Data were collected using the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), the Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI), and the Early Period Mother-Infant Bonding Indicators Assessment Scale. RESULTS: Pre-test scores from the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) and its sub-dimensions (Attachment Quality and Time Spent on Attachment) showed no significant differences between groups. However, post-test MAAS scores and sub-dimensions were significantly higher in the intervention group. Significant improvements were also observed in the intervention group on the Early Period Mother-Infant Bonding Indicators Assessment Scale. Moreover, maternal bonding assessed by the Maternal Attachment Inventory was significantly better in the intervention group compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that providing Bonding-Based Support during the early perinatal period has a positive impact on maternal bonding, as shown by both self-reported measures and observational indicators. This highlights the potential of targeted bonding support programmes to promote early and sustained maternal-infant connections.