Maternal fetal attachment: during and after pregnancy

Attachment is a strong bond between mother and child which could be considered an amazing and unique phenomenon. The primary relationship between a mother and her child during pregnancy is described as maternal fetal attachment. Getting attached to her child during pregnancy, a mother will be ready to initiate a joyful communication with her infant postpartum, and to allow her infant to form a safe and healthy attachment. In contradiction to common belief about initiation of primary attachment at the age of 6 months, studies show that not only pregnancy is the period in which the attachment is formed, but by the means of proper trainings, we could lay the grounds for development and growth of maternal fetal attachment and help mothers to enjoy stressful times of pregnancy. In the field of training and education of maternal fetal attachment techniques, a comprehensive package that includes teaching different aspects of attachment and reinforcing its details is not available. However, in this article intervention program for healthy attachment development based on Cranley's (1981) dimensions of maternal fetal attachment is introduced.