"Neglected moms" - The implications of emotional neglect in childhood for the transition to motherhood.

Background: The transition to motherhood involves many challenges that require adjustment; included among them are adapting to body changes, forging a maternal identity, and attaching to the baby. Although these tasks may not be easy for any women, those who experienced emotional neglect during childhood may find them especially difficult.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to examine a model illuminating the mechanism underlying the association between childhood emotional neglect and women's adjustment during pregnancy and the postpartum period.