Researchers look to solve 'baby bond problem'

01 May 2008

A mother's relationship with her baby is the focus of a new study conducted at the University of Manchester.

Researchers are attempting to conclude if a mother with mental health problems such as post-natal depression or schizophrenia reacts less sensitively towards her baby than a mother without these problems.

It has been found in previous research that a child's psychological development has been hindered if they were shown less affection as a baby and it is hoped that the findings of this research may lead to a therapy to help those who suffer in creating the maternal bond with their child.

The Mother-Infant Relationship and Mentalisation (MIRAM) study will last three months and will be lead by Dr Anja Wittkowski.

Dr Wittkowski said: "The women who take part will not only find it interesting and help other mothers; they will be able to keep the video of them and their child playing together."

If left untreated post-natal depression could last for 12 months and in the six months after a baby is born 10 per cent of mothers suffer from it.

One of which was celebrity mum Gwyneth Paltrow who admitted earlier this week to suffering from post-natal depression following the birth of her second child.

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