maternal-infant bonding

Disruptions in maternal-infant bonding are highly correlated with pediatric asthma and are presented as a cause for these parenting problems.

(3,7,8) Some descriptive studies suggest potential benefits of cosleeping, such as improved breastfeeding and maternal-infant bonding, but these benefits have not been quantified.

The concept of maternal-infant bonding has been studied for over twenty years.

To date no studies have documented the effect of the Pennsylvania legislation on maternal or newborn morbidity, hospital readmission rates, maternal-infant bonding, breast-feeding practices or outcomes , or other outcomes shown or suspected of being influenced by the maternity and newborn LOS (Braveman, Egerter, Pearl, et al.

These include: psychological factors, such as damage resulting from disrupted maternal-infant bonding; social factors, such as poverty and single-parent households and the breakdown of community; and biological factors, such as genetic influences.

Perhaps its most serious consequence is the disruption it causes in maternal-infant bonding, the increased chances of cessation of breast-feeding, and the development of the vulnerable child syndrome.

Postpartum depression or the "Baby Blues" can hinder maternal-infant bonding due to the mother's inability to properly care for the infant or avoidance of the baby resulting in absence of contact between the mother and her child.

Severe cases often start in infancy and compromise maternal-infant bonding and establishment of normal sleep patterns, she said.

Many of the most severe cases begin in infancy and interfere with maternal-infant bonding and establishment of normal sleep patterns.

Specifically, massage therapy on infants has resulted in enhanced maternal-infant bonding, increased communication, weight gain, improved digestion, increased alertness and awareness, enhanced neurological development, greater infant relaxation and improved sleep patterns, and decreased hospital stays (Ferber et al., 2002; Field 1998a, 1998b; Cigales et al., 1997).