Correlates of First-Time Mothers' Postpartum Stress

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine first-time mothers' postpartum stress and its correlates following discharge from the hospital or clinic after vaginal delivery. One hundred and eighty-three first-time mothers were enrolled from hospitals and clinics in Kaohsiung City. All first-time mothers reported normal pregnancies and vaginal deliveries, delivered healthy infants at term, and were surveyed during their postpartum periods after discharge from hospitals or clinics. The Hung Postpartum Stress Scale was used to examine first-time mothers' postpartum stress and stressors during their postpartum periods. The top ten postpartum stressors perceived by the women were: "the baby getting sick suddenly", "the flabby flesh of my belly", "the unpredictability of the baby's schedule", "interrupted sleep", "the shape of the baby's head due to the sleeping position", "not sleeping enough", "lack of information regarding infant's growth and development", "the baby's crying", "my life is restricted", and "the baby choking during feeding". There were no significant differences between the first-time mothers' demographic characteristics and their postpartum stress and its three components (negative body changes, maternal role attainment, lack of social support), respectively. Insight into the study results of first-time mothers' postpartum stress and stressors provides a reference for health professionals that the development of programs and resources addressing primiparous women's unique needs are required.