The influence of respectful maternity care on the maternal self-confidence and mother-child bonding in primigravida women: A prospective cohort study

Respectful maternity care (RMC) plays a crucial role in shaping maternal experiences during childbirth. This study aimed to examine the influence of RMC on maternal self-confidence and mother-infant bonding in primigravida women. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 336 primigravida women admitted to the maternity ward of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital, Zanjan, Iran, in 2022. Eligible participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the RMC Questionnaire, the Lips Maternal Self-Confidence Scale (LMSCS), and the Brockington Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Maternal self-confidence and RMC were assessed at discharge, and mother-infant bonding was evaluated six weeks postpartum. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 at a 95 percent confidence level. The total score of RMC and its dimensions were significantly higher in the group benefiting from RMC, except for the nondiscriminatory care dimension (<i>p</i> = .001). However, the direct relationship between RMC exposure and mother-infant bonding was not significant (<i>p</i> = .258). Promoting a respectful and supportive childbirth environment is essential for enhancing maternal and infant outcomes.