Maternal attachment and mental health status in mothers who have babies with infantile colic

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine maternal attachment and mental health status in mothers of babies with infantile colic. Design: Cross-sectional online survey. Setting: The study was conducted on messaging and social media platforms, and groups related to mothers and babies. Participants: 380 mothers, 107 of whom had babies with infantile colic and 273 of whom had healthy babies, participated in the study. Measurement Tools and Findings: A Personal Information Form, the Maternal Attachment Inventory, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale were used to collect data. No statistically significant relationship was found between infantile colic status and maternal attachment. The depression, anxiety and stress scores of the mothers who had babies with infantile colic were significantly higher compared to the mothers with healthy babies (p<0.05). Additionally, as the depression scores of the mothers increased, their maternal attachment levels decreased (p <0.05). Key Conclusions: Maternal depression, anxiety and stress make it difficult for mothers to provide care for their babies. Therefore, health professionals should screen mothers who have babies with infantile colic in the postpartum period in terms of mental health. Besides, the mothers should be provided with support to assist them in coping with their Babies’ colic. Implications for Practice: Health professionals should be aware that infantile colic negatively affects the mental health of mothers and increases the frequency of follow-ups of these mothers in the postpartum period. More research is needed to examine the effects of infantile colic on maternal attachment.