Non-physiological and Physiological Delivery Method: Comparison of Maternal Attachment Behaviors and Anxiety

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction: Attachment is a stable connection or emotional knot between two individuals as
one of the parties tries to maintain this connection. Delivery time as a turning point between
two stages of attachment is very important.
Methods: In a descriptive–analytical study based on specific inclusion criteria, 262 pregnant
women were selected in the age range of 15-45 years old and the gestational age of 37 to 42
weeks who were candidates for physiological or non-physiological delivery. After obtaining
written consent forms, the demographic information questionnaire was given to the participants.
One hour after delivery, the attachment questionnaire was completed by the researcher in
the postpartum ward. Also, the Spielberg anxiety inventory was completed up to 1 hour after
delivery. Independent sample ttest was used to compare the results between the two groups.
Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21.
Results: The participants in the physiological delivery group showed more positive attachment
behaviors in comparison with the other group. In all three dimensions of attachment (emotional,
contiguous, and caring behavior), physiological delivery showed higher scores than the other
group. Also in non-physiological delivery group, the participants had experienced higher levels
of anxiety and the differences between the groups were not significant.
Conclusion: Results of the current study indicated that mothers engaged in physiological
delivery had higher scores in mother to child attachment behaviors. It means they are more
successful than the non-physiological delivery group in getting attached to their babies.

Keywords: Attachment, Vaginal birth, Childbirth, Physiological delivery, anxiety