Abstract
Background
Mother–infant bonding is of great importance for the development and the well-being
of the baby. The aim of this Concurrent Cohort Study was to investigate the effects
of mothers singing lullabies on bonding, newborns’ behaviour and maternal stress.
Methods
Eighty-three (singing cohort) and 85 (concurrent cohort) women were recruited at antenatal
classes at 24 weeks g.a. and followed up to 3 months after birth. The Prenatal Attachment
Inventory (PAI) and the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) were used to assess
maternal-foetal attachment and postnatal bonding.
Findings
No significant influence was found on Prenatal Attachment; by contrast, Postnatal
Bonding was significantly greater (i.e. lower MIBS) in the singing group 3 months
after birth (mean 1.28 vs 1.96; p = 0.001). In the same singing group, the incidence of neonatal crying episodes in the
first month was significantly lower (18.5% vs 28.2; p < 0.0001) as were the infantile colic (64.7% vs 38.3%; p = 0.003) and perceived maternal stress (29.6% vs 36.5%; p < 0.05). Infantile colic was reduced in the singing group, even in the second month
after birth (22.8% vs 36.5; p = 0.002). At the same time, a reduction was observed in the neonatal nightly awakening
(1.5% vs 4.7; p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
Mothers singing lullabies could improve maternal-infant bonding. It could also have
positive effects on neonatal behaviour and maternal stress.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 04, 2017
Accepted:
January 18,
2017
Received in revised form:
December 12,
2016
Received:
June 30,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
