The social distancing measures enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have both restricted social network access and changed household dynamics, altering the informal support systems of new mothers and elevating postnatal depressive symptoms, potentially influencing mother-to-infant bonding. During the first UK lockdown, we found postnatal mothers experienced both positive and negative impacts on bonding (Myers and Emmott In Press). Some felt it increased “quality time” spent with the baby, leading to perceived better bonding; this was often accompanied by high partner involvement. Others experienced a “constant mothering” burden and resentment towards their children. Here we explore the characteristics of mother-to-infant bonding and maternal confidence in bonding during the pandemic in late 2020 and whether mother-to-infant bonding was predicted by partner support.

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