Maternal perinatal mental health: Associations with bonding, mindfulness, and self-criticism at 18 months\u27 postpartum

The perinatal period is a time of significant transition for women, with changes in maternal mental health from pregnancy to 18 months\u27 postpartum. This study specifically analyzes maternal self-criticism and mindfulness during pregnancy and at 18 months\u27 postpartum, and their associations with bonding. A longitudinal study (30 weeks\u27 gestation-18 months\u27 postpartum) assessed 32 mother-infant dyads, examining changes in maternal depression, anxiety, self-criticism, and mindfulness. In addition, associations between maternal variables during pregnancy and bonding were investigated. Maternal depression and self-criticism significantly increased from pregnancy to postpartum. Maternal anxiety, self-criticism, and facets of mindfulness during pregnancy were also associated with mother-infant bonding at 18 months. Maternal mental health during pregnancy is subject to change postchildbirth. The lack of control and autonomy accompanying motherhood may result in an increase in self-criticism during this period. Such feelings may elevate a woman\u27s vulnerability to postpartum depression and have consequences for later maternal bonding. Early identification of at-risk mothers is important to increase likelihood of positive outcomes