Maternal performance after childbirth and its predictors: a cross sectional study

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Health
• Maternal Psychology
• Postpartum Care

Background:

• New mothers require specialized skills for infant care, but factors influencing their performance are under-researched.
• Existing evidence on maternal performance post-childbirth is inconsistent.
• This study investigated maternal performance and its predictors in the postpartum period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine maternal performance levels after childbirth.
• To identify key predictors of maternal performance in the postpartum period.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 450 mothers within two months postpartum.
• Data collected via questionnaires on demographics, obstetric history, childbirth experience (CEQ2), and maternal self-efficacy.
• Multiple linear regression analysis used to identify predictors of maternal performance.

Main Results:

• Maternal performance scores averaged 91.04 (out of 120), with highest scores in 'maternal competence' and lowest in 'maternal needs'.
• Childbirth experience and maternal self-efficacy were significantly related to maternal performance (P < 0.05).
• Predictors included birth experience, maternal self-efficacy, spouse's employment, prior births, antenatal care frequency, and hospital/birth suite stay duration, explaining 53.2% of performance variance.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based, person-centered perinatal care is crucial.
• Interventions enhancing childbirth experience and maternal self-efficacy are vital for improving postpartum maternal performance.
• Prenatal care strategies should focus on optimizing maternal function post-childbirth.