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Exploring women's postpartum experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-method analysis
Catherine A Maloney1, Avery Trimm2, Laura E Miller-Graff1
1Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA; Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
Midwifery
|February 1, 2025
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted postpartum women
Area of Science:
- Perinatal and maternal health research
- Sociology of health and illness
- Public health and epidemiology
Background:
- The postpartum period is crucial for maternal and infant well-being, influencing child socioemotional development.
- The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant stressors and barriers to essential postpartum support for many women.
- Existing research has primarily focused on the perinatal period (pregnancy and delivery) rather than postpartum experiences during the pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multifaceted postpartum experiences of women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To analyze the impact of the pandemic on maternal mental health and mother-infant bonding.
- To identify key challenges and support needs of postpartum women in the context of the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys.
- Interviews with 20 new mothers exploring pandemic impacts on their postpartum experiences.
- Surveys assessing maternal mental health (anxiety, depression) and mother-infant bonding quality.
Main Results:
- Four key themes emerged: uncertainty in medical care, reduced social support, increased family bonding, and challenges accessing community resources.
- A significant percentage of participants reported anxiety (57.9%), depressive symptoms (68.4%), and bonding difficulties (36.8%).
- Mothers who had time away from their children during hospital stays reported lower anxiety and bonding difficulties, while isolation from leisure activities correlated with greater bonding challenges.
Conclusions:
- Effective information sharing regarding community resources is vital for postpartum well-being.
- Further research is needed to understand how different types of social support influence postpartum women's mental health.
- Addressing pandemic-related disruptions in postpartum care and support is crucial for maternal and infant outcomes.
