Differences in mother-to-infant bonding according to type of C-section: Elective versus unplanned

Abstract

Aim To compare the mother-to-infant bond of mothers who gave birth by elective C-section versus urgent C-section in the first 48-72h of life and 10-12weeks after delivery.

Methods: This is a cohort prospective study of women giving birth by C-section. 48-72h after delivery, sociodemographic variables were collected, Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale and newborn's response to separation test were performed. 10-12weeks after delivery Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale and questions about baby's feeding were completed.

Results: A total of 116 dyads were recruited, 58 in each group. No significant differences between the two C-sections in bonding, newborn response to separation or type of feeding were observed at any time points. However, those dyads presenting with an abnormal bond at time 1 had more frequently an abnormal bond at time 2 (50% versus 8.1%, p=0.000).

Conclusions: No differences in mother-to-infant bond were found according to type of C-section.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; C-section; Mother to infant bonding; Response to separation.