Impact of childbirth Post-traumatic stress disorder on the Mother-Infant Bond: a systematic review

Traumatic birth is clinically defined as a labor process perceived by the mother as a significant threat to her or her newborn’s safety, which can result in the development of Childbirth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CB-PTSD). Women affected by CB-PTSD often face difficulties in forming positive and nurturing interactions with their infants, as the child may serve as a constant reminder of the traumatic event. A systematic review, which was based on the PRISMA guidelines, was conducted to analyze and critically assess existing research exploring the relationship between CB-PTSD and the mother-infant bond. The study used multiple databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycInfo. Twenty-one studies were analyzed, 19 of which reported that CB-PTSD has a negative effect on the mother-infant bond; 13 identified a direct effect and 6 highlighted an effect mediated by postpartum depression. The evidence analyzed in this review supports the claim that CB-PTSD negatively impacts the mother-infant bond, emphasizing the importance of addressing this condition within the perinatal context.