Effects of Childbirth Education on Prenatal Adaptation, Prenatal and Maternal Attachment

Özet

Objectives: Pregnant women’s problems in prenatal adaptation and maternal attachment negatively affectthe health of the mother, family and the baby. Childbirth education may increase adaptation to pregnancyby increasing women’s self-confidence and help strengthen the bonds with their babies. This study aimedto investigate the effects of childbirth education on prenatal adaptation, prenatal and maternal attachment.Methods: This study was with pre/post-education, semi-experimental and prospective design. Research datawere collected using the Participant Identification Form, Prenatal Self Evaluation Questionnaire, Prenatal Attachment Inventory and Maternal Attachment Inventory.Results: A total of 173 women, 90 (52.0%) in the education group and 83 (48.0%) in the control group, participated in the study. The prenatal and prenatal attachment adaptation levels of the control and education groupwere found to be similar before this study (p=0.770 and p=0.277, respectively). Pregnant women’s prenatal adaptation increased after education and between-group differences were significant (p<0.001). Prenatal attachment level also increased in the education group after education (p<0.001). However, prenatal and maternalattachment levels were similar between groups (p=0.171 and p=0.763, respectively).Conclusion: It was identified that childbirth education increased prenatal adaptation but did not affect prenatal and maternal attachment. Childbirth education routinely provided as a part of antenatal care by healthprofessionals ensures awareness in parenting by increasing prenatal adaptation.