Traumatic events: exploring associations with maternal depression, infant bonding, and oxytocin in Latina mothers

Abstract

BackgroundChildhood and adulthood traumatic experiences negatively impact maternal-infant bonding and increase risk of postpartum depression (PPD). Lower oxytocin levels have also been associated with PPD and compromised mother-infant bonding. Despite advances in these areas of investigation, much of the research has not included Latinas, who are important because they have high rates of fertility, traumatic events, and PPD.MethodsTo address gaps identified in the literature, we explored associations between traumatic life events, PPD, and bonding subscale scores (e.g., Impaired Bonding, Rejection and Anger, Anxiety about Care) in a sample of 28 Latinas. We also examined associations between these factors and oxytocin (OT). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were employed to examine differences in subscale scores over time. Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance was used to examine differences in bonding subscale scores and OT by maternal depression status and traumatic events. We also explored interaction effects of traumatic events and OT AUC on bonding subscale scores.ResultsWomen with PPD at 8 weeks had significantly higher Rejection and Anger subscale scores (p = 0.054) than non-PPD women, where higher scores represent more compromised bonding. Significant differences in Rejection and Anger (p = 0.042) and Anxiety about Care (p = 0.005) by adulthood traumatic histories were observed at 8 weeks postpartum. There was also a significant difference in Anxiety about Care scores at 4 weeks postpartum (p = 0.024) and Impaired Bonding at 8 weeks postpartum (p = 0.041) by trauma events involving an infant. There was a significant interaction between OT and childhood sexual abuse on Impaired Bonding (p = 0.038).ConclusionWe observed differential responses in bonding subscale scores by traumatic histories. Women who experienced a trauma involving an infant had higher compromised bonding scores, whereas those with adulthood traumatic histories, such as intimate partner violence, had lower scores. We also found an interaction between childhood trauma and oxytocin levels on bonding scores, suggesting a physiological response to early abuse that can have implications on mothers’ bonding perceptions. These preliminary results suggest the need for additional research on the long-term emotional and physiological effects of traumatic events occurring prior to parturition.

The Effect of Speos Method on the Quality of Postpartum Mother life at Mertoyudan I and Mertoyudan 2 Primary Health Center in 2018

“…If positive, this study's results will provide a model to bolster breastfeeding promotion efforts and improve child health in Lebanon and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study's results align with Lara, which states that aspects of quality of life will be related to breastfeeding and baby care [10]. Actions to help mothers facilitate milk production in the early postpartum period can improve maternal mental health and life quality.…”

A Follow-Up Study on the Continuity and Spillover Effects of Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy on Postnatal Child Abuse

“…Intimate partner violence (IPV) during the perinatal period may be directly associated with child abuse and neglect (CAN) during early postnatal periods. IPV during pregnancy has been reported to predict adverse maternal mental health conditions, such as postnatal depression (Beydoun, Beydoun, Kaufman, Lo, & Zonderman, 2012; Kita, Haruna, Matsuzaki, & Kamibeppu, 2016; Miura & Fujiwara, 2017), as well as negative maternal–infant relationships resulting from maternal feelings of anger and rejection toward the baby (Kita et al, 2016; Lara-Cinisomo et al, 2018), which are the psychological factors that predict maternal psychological abuse of the infant at 3 months postnatal (Kitamura, Ohashi, Kita, & Kubo, 2013). In addition, previous studies have reported that IPV during pregnancy enhances the mother’s potential of abusing the child and also increases abusive behaviors such as shaking and smothering within 1 year after childbirth and slapping, beating, and leaving children home alone within 3 years after childbirth (Amemiya & Fujiwara, 2016; Casanueva & Martin, 2007; Chan et al, 2012; Parrish, Lanier, Newby-Kew, Arvidson, & Shanahan, 2016).…”

Postpartum Depressive Symptoms as a Mediator Between Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy and Maternal-Infant Bonding in Japan

“…These results are consistent with our findings regarding the total effect of emotional IPV on poorer bonding. In contrast, in a small study of Latinas living in the United States who experienced traumatic events in adulthood, such as IPV, women who had experienced traumatic events had better postpartum bonding with infants than women who did not experience traumatic events (Lara-Cinisomo et al, 2018).…”