{"title":"Maternal childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms, bonding, and infant development: a prospective study.","authors":"Sella Devita, Camille Deforges, Myriam Bickle-Graz, Jean-François Tolsa, Vania Sandoz, Antje Horsch","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2261057","DOIUrl":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2261057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (CB-PTSS) including general symptoms (GS, i.e., mainly negative cognitions and mood and hyperarousal symptoms) and birth-related symptoms (BRS, i.e., mostly re-experiencing and avoidance symptoms) may disrupt mother-infant bonding and infant development. This study investigated prospective and cross-sectional associations between maternal CB-PTSS and mother-infant bonding or infant development (language, motor, and cognitive).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We analysed secondary data of the control group of a randomised control trial (NCT03576586) with full-term French-speaking mother-infant dyads (<i>n</i> = 55). Maternal CB-PTSS and mother-infant bonding were assessed via questionnaires at six weeks (T1) and six months (T2) postpartum: PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS). Infant development was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at T2. Sociodemographic and medical data were collected from questionnaires and medical records. Bivariate and multivariate regression were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Maternal total CB-PTSS score at T1 was associated with poorer bonding at T2 in the unadjusted model (B = 0.064, <i>p</i> = 0.043). In the adjusted model, cross-sectional associations were found at T1 between a higher total CB-PTSS score and poorer bonding (B = 0.134, <i>p</i> = 0.017) and between higher GS and poorer bonding (B = 0.306, <i>p</i> = 0.002). Higher BRS at T1 was associated with better infant cognitive development at T2 in the unadjusted model (B = 0.748, <i>p</i> = 0.026).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Results suggest that CB-PTSS were associated with mother-infant bonding difficulties, while CB-PTSS were not significantly associated with infant development. Additional studies are needed to increase our understanding of the intergenerational consequences of perinatal trauma.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"718-732"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41153270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emotional and relational protective factors during pregnancy and psychological well-being and personal growth after childbirth.","authors":"Meital Navon-Eyal, Orit Taubman-Ben-Ari","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2284290","DOIUrl":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2284290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Studies in the perinatal literature tend to focus on potential negative outcomes, but little attention has been paid to the protective factors that may be associated with better psychological well-being or positive mental changes, such as personal growth.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Drawing on the Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions, the study employed a prospective design and a sequential mediation model to examine the mechanism by which protective factors during pregnancy (dispositional gratitude, perceived relationship quality with the partner, perceived maternal-foetal bonding) may be associated, in sequence, with higher psychological well-being and personal growth after childbirth among first-time mothers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The sample consisted of 515 women who were recruited through social media and completed questionnaires in two phases: Time 1, during the second half of their pregnancy; and Time 2, around 12 weeks after the birth of their first baby.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results show that gratitude was associated with higher perceived relationship quality during pregnancy, which was associated with higher maternal-foetal bonding, which in turn was associated with higher psychological well-being and personal growth after childbirth. The indirect effects were significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study expands knowledge of positive outcomes in the transition to motherhood, and demonstrates that positive emotions, such as gratitude, may be the first link in the chain of factors predicting better outcomes from pregnancy to childbirth.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"774-788"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138048118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Richard Fletcher, Casey Regan, Chris May, Scott White, Jennifer St George
{"title":"Developing a text message intervention for fathers with partners experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety.","authors":"Richard Fletcher, Casey Regan, Chris May, Scott White, Jennifer St George","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2262506","DOIUrl":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2262506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Support from fathers to their partners is important to reduce distress in mothers during the perinatal period when conditions such as depression and anxiety can be common. The SMS4dads digital platform delivers text messages to fathers but has not previously addressed specific messages to fathers with partners who are experiencing perinatal depression and/or anxiety (PNDA).</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To develop messages, in collaboration with experienced parents and clinicians, that are suitable for fathers whose partner is experiencing PNDA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Messages designed to enhance the quality of partner support for mothers experiencing PNDA were drafted by the SMS4dads team based on suggestions from mothers with lived experience of PNDA. Mothers and fathers with lived experience and expert clinicians rated the messages for importance and understanding. Clinicians additionally rated clinical relevance. Open response comments from parents and clinicians were collated for each message. Re-drafted messages were screened again and checked for literacy level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-one draft messages received a total of 170 ratings from 24 parents and 164 ratings from 32 clinicians. Over three quarters of parents and clinicians agreed or strongly agreed that messages were understandable (parents 85.6%; clinicians 77.4%), important (parents 86.3%; clinicians 86.6%), and 85.5% of clinicians rated the messages as clinically relevant. Comments from clinicians (<i>n</i> = 99) and parents (<i>n</i> = 46) were reviewed and guided message development. Thirty re-drafted messages were screened and 16 edited based on a second round of ratings and comments from parents and clinicians.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Messages for fathers whose partners are experiencing depression and anxiety can be developed and evaluated in collaboration with lived experience of parents and clinicians.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"618-631"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41158099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nichole Fairbrother, Cora L Keeney, Arianne K Albert
{"title":"Interest in prenatal stress management training: association with medical risk and mental health.","authors":"Nichole Fairbrother, Cora L Keeney, Arianne K Albert","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2254800","DOIUrl":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2254800","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to document levels of interest in stress management training (SMT) during pregnancy, including differences in interest in SMT across levels of medical risk in pregnancy. We also sought to assess differences in pregnancy-specific stress, prenatal worry and depressed mood across levels of medical risk in pregnancy and investigate predictors of interest in SMT.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We surveyed 379 English-speaking, pregnant people living in Vancouver, Canada, between November 2007 and November 2010. Questionnaires were administered during the third trimester and assessed interest and preferred format of SMT, pregnancy-specific stress, prenatal worry, depressed mood and medical risk in pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Interest in stress management training programmes during pregnancy was common, with 32% of participants being quite-to-very interested. Preference was split between self-guided study (41%), group counselling (38%) and one-on-one counselling (34%). Higher pregnancy-specific stress and depressed mood, but not medical risk in pregnancy, were associated with higher interest in SMT. Participants experiencing higher stress levels or lower medical risk were more interested in one-on-one counselling.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings indicate that subjective distress rather than objective circumstances is a better predictor of interest in SMT. Care providers should inquire early-on about interest in SMT during pregnancy and ensure awareness of SMT options.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"573-587"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10173519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development and psychometric properties of the Respectful Maternity Care Scale (RMCS).","authors":"Melike Dişsiz, Meltem Demirgöz Bal, Zeynep Dilşah Karaçam Yılmaz, Fadime Bayrı Bingöl, Özlem Aşcı","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2270690","DOIUrl":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2270690","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims/background: </strong>The Respectful Maternity Care Scale (RMCS) was developed specifically to assess the health care that women receive during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the RMCS.</p><p><strong>Design/methods: </strong>This study used a methodological design. The RMCS, a self-report instrument, was developed in consultation with professionals and women who had given birth, based on the literature. It was tested for content and construct validity. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, test-retest method, and adjusted item-total correlation. The study sample consisted of 405 women between 6 weeks and 12 months postpartum who were admitted to a family health centre in Istanbul between April and June 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The scale's content validity index is 0.92. The scale consists of 29 items and 3 sub-dimensions, which explain 61% of the total variance. χ<sup>2</sup>/df was less than 5 and RMSEA was less than 0.08, which confirms the validity of this model. The corrected item-total correlations were acceptable, and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.96.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The RMCS has been shown to be valid and reliable and can be used to assess respectful maternity care among Turkish women.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"602-617"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41239861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carolina Mariño-Narvaez, Jose A Puertas-Gonzalez, Borja Romero-Gonzalez, Marie-Christin Kraneis, Maria Isabel Peralta-Ramirez
{"title":"Pregnant women's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the trimester of pregnancy.","authors":"Carolina Mariño-Narvaez, Jose A Puertas-Gonzalez, Borja Romero-Gonzalez, Marie-Christin Kraneis, Maria Isabel Peralta-Ramirez","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2279039","DOIUrl":"10.1080/02646838.2023.2279039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to analyse the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women according to the pregnancy trimester, comparing their psychopathological symptomatology, pregnancy-specific stress, resilience and perceived stress to those of women pregnant before the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 797 pregnant women participated in the study, one group of 393 women pregnant before the pandemic and the other of 404 women pregnant during the pandemic. Student-t test was used to analyse continuous data and the Chi-square test was used for categorical data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Psychopathological symptomatology was significantly higher in six subscales of the SCL-90-R in pregnant women during COVID-19: somatisation, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, obsessions-compulsions, mainly on the first two trimesters. There is also a higher level of pregnancy-specific stress in pregnant women during the pandemic on the first two trimesters, most likely due to the hypervigilance and fears related to the COVID-19 disease. Nevertheless, perceived stress, usually elevated during pregnancy, was lower in women pregnant during the pandemic in comparison to those pregnant before, as a positive consequence of being on lockdown and diminishing the exposure to daily stressful situations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Knowing the struggles these women go through during each trimester of pregnancy can be the key to a better health professional-patient relationship, consequently having a positive impact on their mental and physical health.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"557-572"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71522966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wilson Abreu, Sónia Brandão, Tânia Brandão, Ana Paula Prata, Rosa Silva, Olga Riklikiene, Gabija Jarasiunaite-Fedosejeva, Ernesto S González Mesa, Gözde Gökçe İsbir, Figen Inci, Burku Komurcu Akik, Kristiina Uriko, Tatiana Governo, Gill Thompson
{"title":"Post-traumatic stress symptoms, rumination, and posttraumatic growth in women with a traumatic childbirth experience.","authors":"Wilson Abreu, Sónia Brandão, Tânia Brandão, Ana Paula Prata, Rosa Silva, Olga Riklikiene, Gabija Jarasiunaite-Fedosejeva, Ernesto S González Mesa, Gözde Gökçe İsbir, Figen Inci, Burku Komurcu Akik, Kristiina Uriko, Tatiana Governo, Gill Thompson","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2025.2497401","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2025.2497401","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rumination can either prolong distress or foster growth following traumatic experiences like childbirth. This study investigates the association between post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth in women who underwent traumatic childbirth, examining the potential mediating role of two types of rumination - intrusive and deliberate.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study in Northern Portugal from January 2020 to December 2021 surveyed 202 women with infants under 12 months, self-reporting traumatic childbirth experiences. Instruments included the City Birth Trauma Scale, Event-Related Rumination Inventory, and Post-traumatic Growth Inventory.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Women experienced various childbirth-related traumatic events, with most showing post-traumatic stress symptoms for over three months. Approximately 60% met post-traumatic stress disorder criteria.The results indicate that post-traumatic stress symptoms were positively correlated with post-traumatic growth, and both showed positive associations with intrusive rumination and deliberate rumination. Mediation analysis revealed deliberate rumination significantly mediated post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth, highlighting its role in trauma outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study illuminated the pathway through which post-traumatic stress symptoms can lead to posttraumatic growth, highlighting the pivotal role of deliberate rumination in this association. This finding is essential for tailoring therapeutic interventions that effectively foster post-traumatic recovery and resilience, underscoring the importance of promoting deliberate rumination.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144144148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of eco-anxiety in reproductive wish during emerging adulthood.","authors":"Anaja Kos, Vlasta Novak Zabukovec, Vesna Jug","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2025.2508875","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2025.2508875","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims/background: </strong>Eco-anxiety is one of the most common psychological reactions to environmental issues and is associated with both past and anticipated events. Younger generations are particularly conscious of their responsibilities, which, in turn, influence their reproductive wish.</p><p><strong>Design/methods: </strong>In this study, the connection between the mental health construct of eco-anxiety and reproductive wish was examined to better understand the influence of environmental issues during emerging adulthood. Responses were analysed from 324 Slovenian participants aged 18 to 30 years, who completed four online questionnaires: the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale, the Hope Scale, the CES-D, and the STAI X-2.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The discriminative validity of eco-anxiety was confirmed, and a significant correlation between eco-anxiety and reproductive wish was identified. Specifically, participants with higher levels of eco-anxiety expressed lower desire to have children. This relationship was further explored with reference to gender, age, education level, self-assessed financial independence, anxiety, depression, and hope based on denial.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how environmental issues exert influence on reproductive decision-making through their impact on mental health. The need to adapt existing interventions and develop new educational programmes is emphasised to support younger generations in navigating the transition to adulthood. These initiatives should aim to enhance knowledge and awareness of the mental health impacts of environmental concerns, promote effective coping strategies, and foster resilience. Such efforts could assist in managing eco-anxiety and cultivating a more positive outlook on the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lucia Mazúchová, Alena Lochmannová, Caroline J Hollins Martin, Colin R Martin
{"title":"Translation and psychometric validation of the Slovak Partner version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R).","authors":"Lucia Mazúchová, Alena Lochmannová, Caroline J Hollins Martin, Colin R Martin","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2025.2508482","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2025.2508482","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Birth experiences significantly impact both parents' psychological well-being, relationship dynamics, and early parenting. While the experiences of mothers during childbirth are widely studied, there is a growing need to understand and measure birth satisfaction among fathers as well.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to address the gap in understanding fathers' childbirth experiences by translating and validating the Slovak Partner version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (SKP-BSS-R). The research evaluated the psychometric properties of the SKP-BSS-R, including its factor structure, internal consistency, and validity, to establish its suitability as a tool for assessing fathers' satisfaction with the childbirth experience.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional design was employed with 262 Slovak fathers. The SKP-BSS-R underwent translation and expert review following international guidelines. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed its tri-dimensional structure, while internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Validity testing included divergent, convergent, and known-groups discriminant analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The SKP-BSS-R showed excellent psychometric properties. CFA confirmed its tri-dimensional structure, and Cronbach's alpha values exceeded 0.70 for all subscales and the total score. Known-groups validity highlighted significant differences based on delivery type and parity. Convergent validity demonstrated strong correlations among subscales and the total score, while divergent validity showed no significant correlation with participant age.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The SKP-BSS-R is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing birth satisfaction in Slovak fathers. Its use alongside maternal-focused tools provides a holistic view of family birth experiences, supporting research and interventions aimed at enhancing psychological well-being and family-centred care.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sophie Williams, Zoe Darwin, Leonie Lee-Carbon, Jane Iles
{"title":"A phenomenological exploration of non-carrying mothers in same-gender relationships experiences of a psychologically traumatic birth.","authors":"Sophie Williams, Zoe Darwin, Leonie Lee-Carbon, Jane Iles","doi":"10.1080/02646838.2025.2503936","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2025.2503936","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims/background: </strong>Birth trauma is increasingly recognised in policy and practice, yet remains focused on birthing women, also holding the assumption that families involve only one of these. This research explored psychologically traumatic birth experiences in non-carrying mothers in same-gender relationships, and how they made sense of these experiences.</p><p><strong>Design/methods: </strong>Interviews were conducted with eight participants recruited via social media and charities, analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Sample demographics were homogeneous; all self-identified as Black, lesbian, first-time mothers.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>Four themes were developed: 'anticipated and realised threats', 'navigating identities and roles in the transition to motherhood', 'importance of feeling understood and accepted by others' and 'adapting to a new normal'. Participants' reported threat often began during pregnancy, influenced through prior experiences of perinatal loss, trauma, and stressors related to holding minoritised identities, specifically concerning sexuality and race. Challenges were experienced related to navigating dual identities as both a partner and mother, with prevalent feelings of resentment, invisibility, shame, and not being 'good enough'. Most experienced stigma and discrimination, from within and outside their families, and valued spaces where they felt accepted, including through connecting with other LGBTQ+ parents. Implications for subsequent reproductive choices were voiced, typically linked to efforts to prevent repeated trauma.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Psychologically traumatic birth may be experienced by any parent, bringing significant impacts for individuals and their relationships. Intersectional approaches that recognise diverse routes to parenthood are needed to inform and evaluate family-focused support provision, which may include facilitating couples' navigation of reproductive choices.</p>","PeriodicalId":47721,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143990951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}