EFFECTS OF BABY BLUES ON MOTHER-BABY BOND: EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL CONSEQUENCES IN THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Abstract

Introduction: The phenomenon known as baby blues affects approximately 70% to 80% of postpartum women and is characterized by mild symptoms of sadness, irritability, easy crying, insomnia, and anxiety. Although it is transient, it can interfere with the establishment of an emotional relationship with the newborn. Objective: To investigate the effects of baby blues on the mother-baby bond, analyzing its emotional and behavioral consequences in the postpartum period. Methodology: This is an integrative review prepared from research conducted in the Academic Search Premier, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases, seeking to answer the guiding question: “What is the relationship between the experience of baby blues in the perinatal period and the quality of the mother-baby bond, as well as the risk of developing parental mental disorders?”. Results and Discussion: Baby blues can hinder the construction of the initial maternal-child emotional bond. Mood swings and maternal emotional insecurity impair maternal responsiveness and sensitivity, affecting nonverbal communication essential in early contact. In addition, the emotional and behavioral impacts reflect on the quality of maternal care and may interfere with the child's emotional and cognitive development. Furthermore, if not managed properly, baby blues emerges as a significant risk factor for the development of postpartum depression. Thus, early detection and psychosocial support are essential to minimize risks and promote a healthy bond. Conclusion: Baby blues is a condition capable of triggering dysfunctional patterns in bonding, corroborating the need for early interventions to mitigate impacts on child development and parental mental health.