KMC and postpartum disorders in mothers after preterm delivery: which relationship?

Introduction: KMC is a structured programme of maternal care aiming babies’ health as well as a normal development of the preterm babies. Previous research shows that KMC also contributes to maternal health by reducing symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. They also show that psychopathological disorders after preterm birth may alter or even inhibit maternal care to the newborn. We therefore hypothesise that postpartum disorders influence the adoption and subsequent quality of maternal KMC practice. The aim of this study is twofold. First, we investigate the relationship between psychopathological symptoms observed immediately after preterm birth and the subsequent practice of KMC. Second, we investigate the relationship between the practice of KMC and the evolution of these symptoms at 40 weeks in the mother. Methods: Mothers who had given birth prematurely have been invited to complete questionnaires assessing trauma, anxiety, and depression symptoms within 10 days of delivery and at 40 weeks. After their enrolment in KMC program, the KMC practice has been assessed on a weekly basis. Results: A sample of 115 mothers was recruited. The results show that the initial intensity of psychopathological symptoms predicts part of care practices related to KMC. We also find that KMC practices predict changes in anxiety symptoms at 40 weeks. Conclusion: These results show that, in a context of preterm birth, postpartum disorders are related to impairments in KMC mother's practice. Early detection of mothers at risk and psychological care are therefore important to promote quality KMC practice among mothers.