Clinical assessment of mothering during infancy.

Using reliable and valid measurements of mothering can enhance clinicians' and researchers' ability to identify problematic patterns that pose risks to the health of mothers and infants during the first postpartum year. A critical review of observational and self-report instruments for measuring components of mothering is presented. Positive indicators of mothering are discussed, and implications for intervention and referral for problematic aspects of mothering are suggested. (c) 2006, AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses