Exploring mothers' perspectives on the early mother-infant relationship to inform midwifery practice: A qualitative study

Background: The mother-infant relationship plays a crucial role in individual and community health. The nature of the mother-infant relationship can influence the social and emotional development of the infant, impacting their lifelong health. Midwives are key in providing health promotion for women and babies and are ideally placed to support women during the early development of the mother-infant relationship. Aims: This study aimed to explore new mothers' perspectives on developing the early mother-infant relationship to inform midwifery practice. Methods: This study is phase one of a mixed-method, exploratory sequential design project. In this phase, 14 women were interviewed within six weeks of birth to explore experiences that influenced the developing relationship with their baby. To support reflection women were provided with a visual prompt activity. These interviews informed the co-design workshops to develop an intervention to support midwives to promote the early mother infant relationship. A research protocol was published prior to undertaking the study, however as this research did not seek to modify or measure any heath related outcomes it was not registered as a clinical trial. Results: Key themes from the interviews included: making moments that matter; the role of the village; feeling like I'm winning; supportive health professionals, and forming a new family. These themes underpinned strategies to support the mother-infant relationship. Conclusion: The findings from this study offer ways for midwives to support the emerging mother-infant relationship during the early postnatal period. Facilitating mothers to engage with their baby as well as integrating key people is important. Midwives also play a key role in building maternal confidence and competence. Further research is needed to embed and evaluate strategies in midwifery practice.