Childbirth experience, maternal functioning and mental health: how are they related?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Childbirth experience is shaped by the labor and delivery process. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between childbirth experience, subsequent postpartum maternal functioning and mental health. Methods A total of 483 mothers in the first 4–16 weeks postpartum participated in this cross-sectional study. The cluster random sampling method was used to select the participants. The Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience, Mental Health Inventory, and the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning were completed through interviews. Results The mean childbirth experience, mental health, and maternal functioning scores were 1.6 (0.4), 79.1 (15.0), and 97.4 (13.0), respectively. There was a significant correlation between the total mental health and maternal functioning scores and all its subscales with childbirth experience scores (P<0.001). Results from the general linear model pointed to a significant correlation between maternal functioning and childbirth experience (P<0.001), as well as between receiving support for infant care (P<0.001) and family income adequacy (P=0.006). Mental health was also significantly correlated with childbirth experience (P<0.001), complete life satisfaction (P<0.001), and receiving support for infant care (P=0.025). Conclusion Supportive care provision services may improve mothers’ birth experiences, which leads to enhanced postpartum maternal functioning and mental health.