The relational dimension in mindfulness intervention effects: results of a randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting.
BMC pregnancy and childbirth May 10, 2025 Heidemarie K Laurent, Katherine L Haigler, Marissa D Sbrilli et al. 5 citations
Prenatal mindfulness training improves relational outcomes only for birthing-people with lower sociodemographic risk but elevated anxiety at baseline, and for those who practice mindfulness more during and after the class. In a randomized controlled trial comparing Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) with community birthing classes, a main effect favoring MBCP appeared only on parenting stress. Moderation analyses showed significant benefits of MBCP on individual outcomes (dispositional mindfulness, mental health, parenting stress) and relational outcomes (mindfulness in parenting, compassion, bonding with fetus/infant) for higher-risk anxious participants and for those with greater mindfulness practice dosage. The findings clarify that relational benefits depend on baseline risk characteristics and practice engagement, guiding targeted adaptation of mindfulness interventions for diverse families.