Maternal Separation
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topic pregnancy, excessive vomiting, diabetes, hemorrhage, infection, pregnancy-induced hypertension, premature labor, or the need for a cesarean delivery. Overall, childbirth is the most common reason for hospitalization of women in the United States, both for delivery and for treatment of complications. In all cases, the repercussions of maternal mortality include children who must now survive without a mother, and the loss of an important member of a family and society. SEE ALSO: Abortion, Access to health care, Morbidity, Mortality, Pregnancy
Suggested Reading Sionke, J., & Donnay, F. (2001). Maternal mortality update 1998–1999: A report on UNFPA support for maternal mortality prevention. New York: United Nations Population Fund. http://www.unfpa.org/rh/mothers/documents/cmmupdate99.pdf U.S. Centers for Disease Control. (2000). Safe motherhood: Preventing pregnancy-related illnesses and death. http://www.cdc.gov/ nccdphp/bb_motherhood/index.htm World Health Organization. (2001). Maternal mortality in 1995: Estimates developed by WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA. Geneva: Author. http://www.unfpa.org/mothers/pdf/mmin1995.pdf
ELIZABETH CHRISTENSEN JOHN R. WEEKS
Maternal Separation Close proximity of a mother to her infant or child is necessary for survival in humans and other mammals. The close contact promotes emotional attachment and helps to provide food, comfort, and safety. Maternal separation is just as important as close contact for the development of individuality and continued growth of the mother–child relationship. Separations that are relatively brief and consistent lead to healthy development of the mother–child relationship. A total lack of separation between the mother and child does not allow for growth and may lead to problems with separation in the future. Separations that are prolonged and/or inconsistent, without other means of comfort, may contribute to relationship problems, distress, illness, anxiety disorders, and/or attachment disorders. Maternal separation from the neonate, infant, or child may produce stress and anxiety for both individuals. Timing, frequency, and duration of separation all
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Medicaid contribute to the degree of stress experienced by the mother–child dyad. There is evidence that immediately after birth infants respond to and prefer the sound of their mothers’ voice over that of others. This indicates that infants listen and respond to the sound of their mothers’ voice before birth. Newborns also prefer the scent of their own mothers’ breast milk. This evidence suggests that newborns know their mothers at birth, therefore, separation from the familiarity of their mothers may be quite stressful. In fact, animal research examining behavioral and physiological reactivity to stress often involves separation of the mother and infant to induce a stressful situation. It is ideal for a mother and infant to attain close physical contact immediately after birth to enhance and strengthen their relationship. However, it is not critical, as was once thought, that the “bonding” between mot
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