Post-traumatic stress in couples after birth: Association with the couple’s relationship and parent-baby bond

Research suggests a proportion of women develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth. However, the effects of postnatal PTSD on the couple’s relationship and parent-baby bond have not been examined. In this study, 64 couples completed questionnaires about birth, symptoms of PTSD, the couple’s relationship and parent-baby bond nine weeks after childbirth. Results showed 5% of men and women had severe symptoms of PTSD. Symptoms were significantly associated within couples, and were related to similar birth factors for men and women. PTSD symptoms were not associated with the parent-baby bond or couple’s relationship. The mother-baby bond was not associated with any variables measured. The father-baby bond was associated with the couple’s relationship