Kontakt X:X | DOI: 10.32725/kont.2026.034

Early maternal-infant bonding and its related factorsSocial Sciences in Health - Original article

Lucia Mazúchová ORCID...¹, Réka Popovcová¹, Zuzana Škodová ORCID...¹, Lucia Mužilová², Barbora Ďuríčeková ORCID...^{1, *}

¹ Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Midwifery, Martin, Slovak Republic

² Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Department of Public Health, Martin, Slovak Republic

Introduction: Early maternal-infant bonding and maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy are key factors influencing maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the level of early bonding among mothers in the postpartum period and to examine its associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted. The sample consisted of 303 women (age: 32.9 ± 5.10) at 3-4 days postpartum. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) (Cronbach's alpha = 0.805) and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form (BSES-SF) (Cronbach's alpha = 0.946). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis (Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation coefficient).

Results: The mean MIBS score was 2.13 ± 2.56. The mean BSES-SF score was 47.02 ± 14.7. A statistically significant association was found between MIBS and mode of delivery (p = 0.052) and support for skin-to-skin contact after birth (p = 0.036). Correlation analysis confirmed a negative correlation between MIBS and BSES-SF (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of early identification of mothers with lower levels of bonding in the early postpartum period, enabling the implementation of targeted interventions. Support for skin-to-skin contact and strengthening breastfeeding self-efficacy represent effective strategies to promote the development of maternal-infant bonding and, subsequently, secure attachment.

Keywords: Attachment; Bonding; Breastfeeding; Infant; Mother; Self-efficacy

Grants and funding:

This research was supported by the VEGA project (Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Academy of Sciences) no. 1/0063/25: Posttraumatic stress disorder after childbirth and its association with women's perceived autonomy and respect during childbirth.

Conflicts of interest:

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Received: October 28, 2025; Revised: February 16, 2026; Accepted: April 15, 2026; Prepublished online: June 1, 2026