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Maternal-foetal bonding: implications for psychological development and proposal for early intervention

Authors:
Roncallo, C. P., Sánchez de Miguel, M., & Arranz Freijo, E
Year:
2015
Journal:
Escritos de psicología
Volume:
8(2)
Initial page - Ending page:
14 - 23
ISBN/ISSN:
1989-3809
DOI:
10.5231/psy.writ.2015.0706
Description:

Health research has identified maternal-foetal bonding as a significant antecedent of post-natal bonding between mother and baby. Maternal-foetal bonding is associated with the emotional and cognitive aspects that allow the foetus to be recreated as another human being. This bond is expressed in health practices aimed at the protection and welfare of the foetus. It has been observed that the psychological state of the mother affects the foetus at the neurobehavioral level and influences the appearance of developmental disorders that also manifest in the post-natal period, thereby significantly affecting the mother-baby relationship. Thus, early intervention practices could be extended to the prenatal period as a prevention strategy to favourably impact the health of the child and mother. To address this issue, we present an interdisciplinary intervention model, which focuses on maternal-foetal bonding as a protective factor for bonding during the postnatal period, and as an enhancer of positive parenting practices that promote healthy psychological development