Work

Assessing characteristics of mother–infant dyadic synchrony among vulnerable mothers using the Infant CARE-Index

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: The postnatal period crucially influences the mother-infant relationship and subsequently the infant's cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development. Poor maternal mental health may impact early interactions, potentially causing the infant's developmental needs to go neglected. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used the Infant CARE-Index to examine mother-infant interaction patterns among mothers with a history of depression and/or anxiety. Ten mother-infant dyads recruited from a Danish obstetric department participated in video recordings of mother-infant interactions three months postpartum. The primary outcome was the assessment of mother-infant dyadic synchrony using observational measures of the Infant CARE-Index when infants were three months old. Results: Mother-infant dyadic synchrony was found to lack sensitivity, with maternal behaviour predominantly exhibiting low sensitivity and, occasionally, control, leading to overall unresponsiveness. The infants in the dyads exhibited moderately cooperative behaviour but with tendencies towards compulsive and challenging behaviours. Conclusion: This study offers novel observational insights into early relational dynamics in mother-infant dyads affected by maternal mental health history-an area underexplored in Danish postnatal care. By applying the Infant CARE-Index, the findings highlight specific behavioural patterns that may hinder bonding and development. These results underscore the need for relationship-based, targeted, and flexible interventions to support vulnerable dyads and promote healthier developmental trajectories.

Source: European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology X

DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2025.100426

Authors: Camilla Ejlertsen, Ingeborg Hedegaard Kristensen, Anne Brødsgaard

Institutions: Aarhus University, Roskilde University, Copenhagen University Hospital, Capital Region of Denmark

Language: English

Topic: Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,400