A mixed method study to explore the maternal impact and outcomes of a specialist Building Attachment and Bonds Service (The BABS Study)

Abstract

Our intent was to explore if maternal anxiety, depression, reflective functioning and level of attachment significantly changed after the Building Bonds and Attachment Service (BABS) Intervention. We measured outcomes for 46 at risk mothers via HADS; MAAS; MPAS and P-PRFQ. Our findings, triangulated with 32 semi structured interviews identified that BABS intervention made a significant difference to participants who were admitted during the antenatal period (Pregnant group: depression 9.63[CI:7.63–11.63; p < 0.001]; anxiety 9.40[CI: 7.56–11.24]; p < 0.001]; reflective functioning 30.78[CI:24.84–36.72; p < 0.001] and maternal attachment 8.78[CI:4.08–13.48]; p 0.001). Suicidal contemplation was prevented for two women. Our conclusions explained the service made a significant difference to the lives of mothers between baseline and post intervention for pregnant mothers with anxiety and depression who struggled to bond with their baby. Appropriate referral may help to increase accessibility to those who may benefit most. Further research needs to test if this care model would be acceptable to culturally diverse populations.