Baby Swim As an Intervention for Depressive Symptoms and Lacking Attachment During the Postpartum Period

Mental health issues are very common during and after pregnancy, and studies from around the world indicate that 10-15% of all pregnant and postpartum women experience depression. Risk factors for developing depression include a history of depression, low levels of social support, and stressful life events. The symptoms are the same as for depression during other periods of life, but often include feelings of inadequacy regarding motherhood, along with associated feelings of shame or guilt. Obsessive thoughts directed toward the baby may also be part of the symptomatology. Such thoughts are typically experienced as frightening by the mother but, in the vast majority of cases, do not pose any risk to the child. Maternal depression can also affect a mother's ability to bond with her baby, and difficulties in forming an attachment can, in turn, increase and perpetuate depressive symptoms. In the long term, insecure attachment between mother and child can lead to behavioral problems in the child, such as aggression and avoidance, anxiety and depression in adolescence, negative effects on cognitive development, and trust issues in close relationships.

Baby swimming is a structured form of interaction that takes place in 34-degree Celsius water in a calm environment, aiming to teach the baby vital skills while stimulating social, intellectual, and motor development. At least one parent actively participates and is encouraged to perform various exercises. These activities strengthen the bond between the baby and the parent and contribute to making time in the water a safe and enjoyable experience. Previous studies have shown that baby swimming can improve attachment between parent and child.

In the present project, the aim is to investigate whether baby swimming can be used as an intervention for depressive symptoms in new mothers and whether this intervention can reduce depressive symptoms while also strengthening the bond between mother and child.