International Journal on Science and Technology

E-ISSN: 2229-7677     Impact Factor: 9.88

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 17 Issue 2 April-June 2026 Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of April-June.

Unfolding Motherhood: Birth Experience, Mood And Bonding

Author(s) Ms. Kavitha Mani Mohan, Dr. Sumathi Chandran, Dr. Shankar Shanmugam Rajendran, Mr. Anbalagan Marudan, Ms. Dhanalakshmi poongavanam, Ms. Latha Krishnan, Ms. Revathy vinayagam
Country India
Abstract Childbirth is a transformative experience, especially for primipara (first-time) mothers who may face heightened emotional and psychological challenges. Globally, maternal mood disturbances and impaired mother-infant bonding pose risks to both maternal mental health and infant development. This study explores the childbirth experiences of primipara mothers and examines the interplay between mother-infant bonding and postpartum mood status, emphasizing the role of family support and nursing care in fostering positive outcomes.
Title: A Mixed Method Study to Explore Maternal Childbirth Experiences, Mother Infant Bonding and Postpartum Mood Status Among Primipara Mothers in a Selected Tertiary Care Hospital, Chennai
Objectives: The study aimed to explore maternal childbirth experiences of primipara mothers, assess levels of mother-infant bonding and postpartum mood status, examine the correlation of mother-infant bonding and postpartum mood status, examine the association between bonding and mood with demographic and obstetric variables and Integration of qualitative and quantitative findings
Materials & Methods: A mixed-methods design with an exploratory sequential approach was used. Data were collected at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chennai. Tools included a semi-structured interview guide, the Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – Short Form (PANAS-SF). Data were analysed thematically and statistically using SPSS, ensuring rigor, triangulation, and ethical compliance.
Results: A majority of mothers (43.33%) were aged 21–25 years, and 56.67% had low-income status. Most (93.34%) had term deliveries, 98.33% attended antenatal care, and all practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Qualitative findings revealed key emotional themes: anxiety, distress, and critical support from nurses and families. Quantitatively, 80% of mothers demonstrated high bonding, and 76.78% had moderate postpartum mood levels. None scored low in either domain. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between bonding and postpartum mood (r = -0.42, p = 0.01), indicating that stronger bonding was associated with fewer mood disturbances. Significant associations were found between bonding and age, residence, and postnatal support; mood status correlated with age and education. Integration of findings highlighted that family support and maternal age critically influence bonding and emotional health.
Conclusion: Primipara mothers generally exhibit strong bonding and stable mood, supported by familial and professional care. Targeted interventions enhancing support systems can further improve maternal-infant outcomes and emotional resilience.
Keywords Primipara mothers, Mother-infant bonding, Postpartum mood, Childbirth experience, Mixed-methods study
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 17, Issue 2, April-June 2026
Published On 2026-05-21

Share this