Summaries of papers presented in a symposium deal with a related series of four issues concerning the development of maternal attachment: Is maternal attachment best conceptualized and measured as an emotional tie or as observable behavior? Is there continuity in the development of maternal attachment from the prenatal to postpartum period? Can the development of maternal attachment be facilitated by teaching parents about their infant's capabilities and responses? What are the ramifications of caesarean versus vaginal delivery for the development of maternal attachment? Questionnaires covering eight areas of concern (e.g., confidence in caregiving, feelings toward pregnancy) were completed in the last trimester of pregnancy; birth information was obtained from hospital charts; and postpartum questionnaires analogous to the prenatal ones were completed at one month. Eighty-six mothers were randomly assigned to one of four groups which varied according to the number and content (teaching vs. no teaching) of home visits during the first month postpartum. Ainsworth Maternal Care Rating Scales were completed and one hour of mother-infant interaction was observed. Continuity in the development of maternal attachment from the prenatal to postpartum period was found, and there was some evidence that teaching parents about their infants may facilitate maternal attachment and behavior. Mode of delivery was not a significant variable. It was concluded that observation of maternal behavior may not provide a sufficient assessment of maternal attachment. (Author/RH)