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HOMETOPICSResearch and EducationMapping the Risk Factors for Mother-Infant Bonding Disorder
-University of Toyama researchers find three factors that predict mother-to-infant bonding difficulties in the absence of postnatal depression-

Mapping the Risk Factors for Mother-Infant Bonding Disorder
-University of Toyama researchers find three factors that predict mother-to-infant bonding difficulties in the absence of postnatal depression-

Summary

Mother-to-infant bonding difficulties (MIBD) are commonly associated with postnatal depression. MIBD has been linked to developmental delays and child abuse. Researchers found that about half of MIBD cases in Japan involve mothers who did not experience postpartum depression. Difficulty holding a fussy baby, lack of happiness about pregnancy, and low social support predict an increased risk of MIBD. Clinicians observing these signs should intervene to ensure maternal and child well-being.

  • Image title： Identifying Factors Associated with Mother-to-Infant Bonding Difficulties
  • Image caption： About half of all cases of mother-to-infant bonding difficulties (MIBD) occur among mothers who do not experience postnatal depression. Difficulty holding a fussing baby, lack of positive emotions about pregnancy, and low social support during pregnancy and postpartum are strong predictors of MIBD. MIBD has been linked to developmental delays and child abuse.
  • Credit： Ms. Hitomi Inano from the University of Toyama
  • License type： Original content
  • Usage restrictions： You are free to share and adapt the Infographic material but attribution is required, with a link to the news source.

Research Details

Mapping the Risk Factors for Mother-Infant Bonding Disorder[PDF, 524KB]

Reference

Title of original paper

Factors associated with mother-to-infant bonding difficulties without prior postnatal depression at 1 and 6 months after childbirth: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)

Journal

Archives of Women’s Mental Health

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-026-01726-x

Additional information for EurekAlert

Latest Article Publication Date

3 June 2026

Method of Research

Observational study

Subject of Research

People

Conflicts of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Media contact

Ms. Hitomi Inano

E-mail: