Examining the Relationship between Fear of Childbirth, Maternal-Infant Attachment, and Postpartum Depression

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between fear of childbirth, maternal-infant attachment, and postpartum depression. This research employed a descriptive correlational method, with the study population consisting of all mothers who attended healthcare centers in the city of Hamedan to receive prenatal services. From this population, a sample of 153 individuals was selected using multi-stage cluster sampling and responded to the Childbirth Fear Questionnaire (Wijma, 2001), the Maternal-Infant Attachment Questionnaire (Condon & Corkindale, 1991), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (Cox, Holden, & Sagovsky, 1991). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Findings showed that regression coefficients indicated that fear of childbirth could explain 33% of the variance in maternal-infant attachment. Additionally, fear of childbirth explained 34% of the variance in postpartum depression. Consequently, fear of childbirth is associated with maternal-infant attachment and postpartum depression, suggesting that by controlling fear of childbirth, it may be possible to positively impact postpartum depression and maternal-infant attachment.