The Effect of Lullaby During Bath Time on Mother-Infant Bonding, Postpartum Depression, and Parental Self-Efficacy in Infants

Summary

This randomized, single-blind controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of maternal lullaby singing during infant bathing on mother-infant bonding, postpartum depressive symptoms, and perceived parenting self-efficacy in mothers of healthy term infants. The postpartum period represents a critical phase for maternal psychological adjustment, during which stress, depressive symptoms, and low parenting confidence may negatively affect the quality of mother-infant interaction and bonding. Low-cost, culturally meaningful, and non-pharmacological interventions that support maternal well-being and early bonding are therefore of particular importance.

The study will be conducted with mothers who have delivered healthy term infants in a public hospital. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Mothers in the intervention group will receive a structured bathing education and will be instructed to bathe their infants three times per week for two consecutive weeks while singing a lullaby using their own voice in a calm and quiet home environment. Live-recorded music will not be used. The intervention emphasizes sensory interaction, emotional closeness, and maternal voice as key components. Each bathing session is expected to last approximately 10-15 minutes. The control group will receive routine postpartum care without a structured lullaby-based bathing intervention.

Outcome measures include mother-infant bonding, postpartum depressive symptoms, and perceived maternal parenting self-efficacy. Data will be collected at two time points: prior to hospital discharge (within the first 24 hours postpartum) and at the end of the two-week intervention period. Validated self-report instruments will be used for all outcome assessments.

The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of a simple, culturally embedded caregiving practice in supporting maternal mental health, strengthening mother-infant bonding, and enhancing parenting confidence during the early postpartum period. Results may inform postpartum care practices, parental counseling programs, and midwife-led supportive interventions.

Conditions

• Newborn Infant
• Bonding
• Self Efficacy
• Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Maternal Lullaby Singing

Mothers assigned to the intervention group will receive a brief structured education on infant bathing and the emotional role of maternal voice prior to hospital discharge. Following discharge, mothers will bathe their infants at home three times per week for two consecutive weeks (total of six sessions). During each bathing session, mothers will sing a lullaby using their own voice in a calm, quiet, and distraction-free environment. The lullaby may be a traditional cultural lullaby or spontaneous melodic humming. Recorded music will not be used. Each bathing session will last approximately 10-15 minutes, with water and room temperature adjusted to recommended neonatal care standards. Mothers will be encouraged to maintain eye contact, gentle touch, and emotional engagement with the infant throughout the bath. Researcher support will be provided via live video call during sessions to ensure adherence and safety.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-15

Primary Completion

2026-12-15

Completion

2027-01-15

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations