Factors affecting maternal confidence among older and younger Japanese primiparae at one month post-partum

To compare the factors that affect maternal confidence at 1 month post-partum between older (≥35 years old) and younger (20-34 years old) primiparous Japanese mothers.

A multicenter prospective study of mothers who gave birth to live singleton infants in Japan was conducted. Following ethics approval, the participants completed questionnaires 1 day before discharge and 1 month after childbirth. The questionnaires included the Postpartum Maternal Confidence Scale, demographics and background information, prenatal and obstetric data, situational variables and perceptions of daily life, and social support. The obstetric data were extracted from the hospital medical records. Data from the older primiparae (n = 479) and the younger primiparae (n = 1033) were analyzed by using multiple stepwise regressions, controlling for the delivery mode.

Maternal confidence at 1 month post-partum was positively associated with emotional support for the older primiparae and appraisal support and exclusive breastfeeding for younger primiparae. In both groups, feeling overwhelmed by daily life, a lack of communication with their partner about the parenting role, and a lack of prior experience in caring for babies were negatively related to maternal confidence. Family budget instability was negatively related to maternal confidence in the younger group.

Providing care that is based on an understanding of the unique support needs of first-time mothers in different age groups could promote more effective parenting.