The influence of an unplanned caesarean section on initial mother-infant bonding: mothers' subjective experiences

Abstract

This study explored the impact of an unplanned Caesarean section on mother-infant bonding, by examining the development of maternal identities and mothers’ subsequent relationships with their babies. In-depth interviews with 10 women (mean age=28; SD=1.97) explored their lived experiences of mother-infant bonding after an unplanned Caesarean childbirth. Participants perceived an unplanned Caesarean birth to adversely impact the development of a maternal role identity, the formation of balanced maternal attachment representations, caregiving abilities, and initial mother-infant bonding.