The Effect of Mother-Infant Contact Barrier on Maternal Sadness and Adaptation

The Effect of Infant Attachment Barrier on Maternal Sadness and Adaptation: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of mother-infant contact deprivation on maternal sadness and maternal adaptation. The research is a randomized controlled experimental study. The intervention group consisted of mothers who had vaginal births or cesarean deliveries with epidural/spinal anesthesia (n: 198), while the control group included mothers who had cesarean deliveries under general anesthesia (n: 99). In the intervention group, mother-infant skin-to-skin contact was ensured within the first 10 minutes after birth. No intervention was made with the mothers in the control group. Both groups were assessed within the first 48 hours postpartum using the Mother-Infant Contact Barrier Scale, and on the 14th day postpartum, the Postpartum Self-Evaluation Scale and the Postpartum Maternal Sadness Evaluation Scale were administered to compare the results.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of mother-infant contact deprivation on maternal sadness and maternal adaptation. The research is a randomized controlled experimental study. The intervention group consisted of mothers who had vaginal births or cesarean deliveries with epidural/spinal anesthesia (n: 198), while the control group included mothers who had cesarean deliveries under general anesthesia (n: 99). In the intervention group, mother-infant skin-to-skin contact was ensured within the first 10 minutes after birth. No intervention was made with the mothers in the control group. Both groups were assessed within the first 48 hours postpartum using the Mother-Infant Contact Barrier Scale, and on the 14th day postpartum, the Postpartum Self-Evaluation Scale and the Postpartum Maternal Sadness Evaluation Scale were administered to compare the results.

Inclusion Criteria:

Had given birth at Mardin Training and Research Hospital

• No physical and/or mental health issues
• No infectious diseases transmitted through contact
• Agreed to participate in the study
• Able to speak Turkish and/or does not have communication issues
• Single live birth with the baby
• Mothers who gave birth vaginally or via spinal anesthesia and had skin-to-skin contact with their baby within the first 5 minutes postpartum

Exclusion Criteria:

Foreign nationals, immigrants, or those with communication issues

• Individuals with any physical and/or mental health problems
• Those with infectious diseases transmitted through contact
• Individuals who did not agree to participate in the study
• Mothers whose baby was stillborn (ex) after birth
• Mothers whose babies were receiving treatment in the intensive care unit
• Those who do not wish to provide a phone number
• Women who gave birth vaginally or via spinal anesthesia and do not wish to establish contact with their baby
• Mothers who gave birth to twins or more babies