Investigating the Effect of Counseling Based on Family Support on Mother-Child Bonding at 4-6 Weeks of Postpartum in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Emotional bonding between mother and neonate is an extremely sensitive process in postpartum. Therefore, one of the important processes in the postpartum period is the development of maternal and neonatal bonding. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of family-based counseling on mother-child bonding at 4-6 weeks of postpartum in women referred to selected health centers of Urmia in 2017. Materials and Methods This clinical trial study was conducted on 330 women and their families who were selected in health care centers of Urmia in 2017. Data collection tools were personal information form, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. The women were randomly divided into two groups: intervention (n = 165) and control (n =165). The intervention group received 4-6 counseling sessions based on family support and the control group received routine care. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20), non-parametric Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon and parametric t tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results Findings revealed a significant reduction in mean ± SD of total mother-child bonding (41.17± 33.37), general bonding difficulties (19.17± 18.04), threatened rejection (11.95±9.86), infant-focused anxiety (6.77± 5.70) and incipient abuse (3.27± 2.90). Conclusion According to the obtained results, family-based counseling has deeply positive effect on mother-child bonding that can arise physical and mental health benefits originated from this bonding in childhood period and in all stage of puberty.