Maternal mental health: The relationship between postpartum depression, parenting stress, and mother-infant bonding

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a childbirth complication that can adversely affect maternal functioning, parenting, and infant development. However, relationships among PPD, parenting stress, and mother–infant bonding remain insufficiently understood. This study examined these relationships among mothers in southern Nigeria. A cross-sectional correlational survey design was adopted. Participants were 280 postpartum mothers (M = 29.74, SD = 5.92) recruited from health facilities. Data were collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Parenting Stress Index–Short Form (PSI-SF), and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were conducted using SPSS version 26.0. PPD was positively associated with parenting stress (r = .52, p < .01) and negatively associated with mother–infant bonding (r = –.48, p < .01). Parenting stress was also negatively associated with bonding (r = –.39, p < .01). The regression model was significant, F(3, 276) = 42.15, p < .001, explaining 31% of the variance in bonding (adjusted R² = .31). PPD was the strongest predictor of impaired bonding (β = –.34, p < .001), followed by parenting stress (β = –.22, p < .001). These findings identify PPD and parenting stress as significant correlates of poorer mother–infant bonding. Maternal healthcare facilities should incorporate routine PPD screening, establish referral pathways for mothers experiencing depressive symptoms, and provide counselling and parenting support. Integrated psychosocial interventions addressing depressive symptoms and parenting stress may strengthen mother–infant relationships. Training healthcare professionals to recognise maternal distress and assess bonding difficulties may improve identification and care for mothers and infants.