Investigation of mode of delivery and factors affecting maternal attachment

Aim: The study aims to investigate mode of delivery and factors affecting maternal attachment. Material and Method: This is a cross-sectional research. The study population consisted of 1394 women who were in the first six months of postpartum and registered at seven family health centers in the Province of Malatya, Turkey. The sample consisted of 301 women, who were in the first 6 months of postpartum. Information form and Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI) were used for data collection. Data were assessed using descriptive statistics, t-test in independent groups, One Way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney U, Chi Square test and Cronbach's Alpha reliability analysis test. Results: It was determined that 55.5% had a cesarean section. There was no statistically significant difference between the mode of delivery and the mean MAI scores (p>0.05). MAI scores of the mothers whose spouses and families had negative attitudes towards the baby's gender and the mothers who had been separated from their babies were low, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The difference between MAI score averages and baby's nutrition style and mothers' level of receiving support from their family members and their spouses regarding baby care was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that mode of delivery does not affect maternal attachment, but separation from the baby, negative attitudes toward baby's gender, baby's nutrition style, and support from family members regarding baby care were found to affect maternal attachment.