The study of 130 first-time mothers was carried out by Robert Gordan University in Aberdeen, with the mothers having a varying intake of alcohol during the pregnancy.
After giving birth the mothers were asked questions about the birth itself – how long their hospital stay was, any complications that may have arisen – as well as how they felt they’d bonded with their baby.
Those who drank more during pregnancy reported that they had difficulty bonding with their baby, whereas those who didn’t drink at all did not report any such problems. those who drank also had a longer stay in hospital after the birth, taking longer to recover.