This bibliographic study describes the aspects of bonding that a pediatric nurse must know to foster the emotional attachment between a mother and her baby in the maternity hospital setting. It describes the theoretical models of bonding based on a review of the literature and research on this subject. It also discusses the origins of the bonding theory and the characteristics, types, benefits and consequences that this attachment has on the child's physical, emotional and social development. Finally, it summarizes the nurse's role in strengthening mother-child duality, assisting with baby care and supporting the family environment. The qualitative protocol of Kitchenham (2005) was used to extract the relevant information.
Conclusion: The results of this review highlight the key role of nurses in promoting mother-child bonding despite political structures in maternity and pediatric centres.