Midwives’ contribution to the development of the mothers’ bond with their newborn

Gagnon, R., Garban, A., St-Laurent, D., Lacharité, C. et Perarnau Moles, J. (2026). Midwives’ contribution to the development of the mothers’ bond with their newborn. Healthcare, 14 (5). Article 597. ISSN 2227-9032 DOI 10.3390/healthcare14050597

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Résumé

Abstract

Background:
The mother’s bond with her newborn is important for the child’s development and their relationship. Midwives are well placed to witness first-hand the beginning of this relationship.

Objectives:
This study examined, based on mothers’ perceptions, the contribution of midwives to the development of the bond with their baby from pregnancy to the first postnatal months.

Methods:
We conducted a descriptive qualitative interpretative study in Quebec, Canada (from 2022 to 2025), with 10 primiparous mothers who were cared for by midwives in a model of continuity of care, and gave birth in a birth center, at home, or in a hospital. Semi-structured retrospective interviews were conducted between two and four months after childbirth, and were complemented by interviews with two midwives.

Results:
Most participants developed a bond with their baby during pregnancy. They discussed their midwifery care and what they felt were significant elements in the development of their bond with the baby. Midwives encouraged them to develop this bond through their approach and various means: letting them feel the fetus during palpation, talking to it, encouraging mothers to do the same, and reinforcing the bond throughout pregnancy. The birth and first moments after birth were also key moments for promoting contact between mother and baby. Midwives were also creative in promoting bonding in more difficult situations, such as when a transfer to the hospital for delivery was needed.

Conclusions:
Midwives play an important role in initiating and developing the mother–child bond during pregnancy, especially if they practice within a model of relational continuity.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	Maternal bonding Midwifery Pregnancy Childbirth Primiparity Mother–child relations Birth experience Maternal representations Continuity of patient care
Date de dépôt:	18 mars 2026 15:49
Dernière modification:	18 mars 2026 15:49
Version du document déposé:	Version officielle de l'éditeur
URI:	https://depot-e.uqtr.ca/id/eprint/12661

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