Effects of motivational enhancement therapy on mother-infant attachment, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and cesarean delivery preference following a traumatic birth: a randomized controlled trial in southeast Iran.
Zahra Kheirandish, Atefeh Ahmadi, Moghaddameh Mirzaee et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated motivational enhancement therapy (MET) in 70 mothers with a history of birth trauma at two hospitals in Kerman, Iran. Participants were assigned to four MET sessions or routine postpartum care, with outcomes assessed at baseline and two weeks after the final session. After adjustment for baseline differences, the MET group had significantly better mother-infant attachment, higher breastfeeding self-efficacy, and lower preference for cesarean delivery than controls (p < 0.0001 for all). The abstract does not report the magnitude of these differences.
Key findings
- MET was associated with improved mother-infant attachment, reflected by lower Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale scores (p < 0.0001).
- Breastfeeding self-efficacy was significantly higher after MET than after routine care (p < 0.0001).
- Preference for cesarean delivery was significantly lower in the MET group than in controls (p < 0.0001).
Why it matters
Birth trauma may affect maternal and infant well-being. These findings suggest that a brief, structured intervention could address several postpartum outcomes together, including bonding, confidence in breastfeeding, and delivery preferences. The results are relevant to postpartum support, while the short follow-up and absence of reported effect sizes limit conclusions about the magnitude and persistence of benefit.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 70 participants at two hospitals, used convenience sampling, and assessed outcomes only two weeks after the final session. The abstract does not report effect sizes.