Evidence is emerging that childbirth experience can influence early postpartum mood. In particular it appears that those who experience operative obstetric intervention are at heightened risk of postpartum emotional distress. While there has been extensive investigation into early mother-infant attachment, little specific research has addressed the question of a relationship between childbirth experience and early mother-infant contact, and there is little evidence available regarding the psychological consequences of these procedures for infants or mother-infant relationships.

This study investigated relationships between childbirth experience, aspects of the first contact of mothers with their newborn babies, and mothers' physical and emotional wellbeing. Two hundred and three first-time mothers were interviewed in hospital in the first few days after giving birth, providing details of their labour and delivery, the first contact with their babies and their feelings at that time. They also completed two standardised self-report psychometric mood questionnaires. Eighty percent of these women (163) were able to be followed up when their babies were 8 months old. At that time, they completed a questionnaire providing details of their physical and emotional wellbeing and their adjustment to motherhood. In addition, they completed the same two standardised self report mood questionnaires and a third which assessed infant temperament.

Women were compared according to three different modes of delivery: spontaneous vaginal delivery, instrumentally assisted vaginal delivery and caesarean section.

Measurable differences were found between the three groups in both the quality and quantity of early contact they had with their babies. Adverse `sequelae of operative intervention were evident at eight months postpartum.