A Literature Review of Alexithymia and the Mother-baby Bond – Alexitimia e Vínculo Mãe-Bebê: uma Revisão de Literatura

Motherhood is a social and biological phenomenon inextricably linked to female identity, involving both biological reproduction and the social construction of the maternal role known as mothering. The social expectation to be an ideal mother, associated with feelings of maternal love and devotion to children, places pressure and unattainable expectations on women. This study examines the relationship between motherhood and alexithymia, a psychological concept that describes difficulties in identifying and expressing emotions. Mothers with alexithymia face additional challenges in recognizing and responding to their babies' needs, which can negatively impact the mother-baby interaction. The review highlights the gap in scientific knowledge on this topic and suggests the need for further research to fully understand the impact of alexithymia on maternal experience and mother-baby interaction.