The effect of post‐natal symptoms of post‐traumatic stress and depression on the couple's relationship and parent–baby bond

Abstract

Objectives:Research has shown that between 1 and 3% of women may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. However, the potential effect of childbirth on fathers, and the implications of postnatal symptoms of PTSD for family relationships have received little attention. The current study therefore examined the potential effects of PTSD symptoms on the couple's relationship and parent-baby bond. Design: Internet based questionnaire study. Methods: One hundred and fifty two parents (126 women and 26 men) completed questionnaire measures of PTSD, depression, quality of the couple's relationship, and the parentbaby bond. Results: Symptoms of PTSD and depression were significantly correlated with the couples' relationship and parent-baby bond. Structural equation modelling found the model that best fitted the data was one where PTSD symptoms had a direct effect on the parent-baby bond, but the effect of PTSD on the couples' relationship was mediated by depression. Conclusions: The results indicate the importance of examining men and women's psychological reactions after birth; and suggest symptoms of PTSD have an effect on the parent-baby bond. However, methodological considerations mean further research is needed to replicate and extend this study before firm conclusions can be drawn.

The impact of parents’ mental health on parent–baby interaction: A prospective study

“…There is also evidence of negative effects of anxiety on the parent-baby relationship and child outcomes (Feldman et al, 2009;Glasheen, Richardson & Fabio, 2010, for a review). Finally, studies also suggest that PTSD following childbirth may be linked to problems in the parent-baby relationship (Ballard, Stanley & Brockington, 1995;Nicholls & Ayers, 2007;Parfitt & Ayers, 2009). …”

“…It consists of 17 items (5 intrusion, 7 avoidance and 5 arousal items) and has previously been used in relation to childbirth (e.g., Parfitt & Ayers, 2009;Sawyer & Ayers, 2009). Items are scored on a continuous 4-point scale with a total range of 0 -51, with higher scores indicating a greater symptom severity.…”

Needs of fathers during labour and childbirth: A cross-sectional study

“…9 A negative birth experience can also lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 14 Involving fathers in childbirth may result in a range of positive effects, such as being able to better manage their overwhelming feelings of helplessness or experiencing the first contact with their child more positively. 9 Besides fathers, mother and child benefit as well when the father is part of the childbearing process.…”

The impact of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms on child development: a population-based, 2-year follow-up study

“…However, evidence from quantitative studies is mixed and available studies have been based on small or self-selected samples. For example, an online survey of 152 parents (126 women and 26 men) found that symptoms of PTSD and depression were associated with a poorer parent-baby bond (Parfitt and Ayers, 2009). However, another study of 64 couples recruited from birth registers at a UK hospital found no association between PTSD symptoms and the mother-baby bond, although there were small correlations between PTSD symptoms and an unfavorable father-baby bond (Ayers et al, 2007).…”