Who's Stressed? Social Factors and Women's Stress Experiences 2 to 22 Months Postpartum

We examined the stressors of mothers between 2 and 22 months postpartum, the association of stressors with social factors, and when stressors were heightened. Surveys of 372 women covered social factors and postpartum stressors (Overload, Changes after pregnancy, Baby care, Working mother concerns, Low support, and Isolation). Overload was the most frequent stressor compared to the other stressors, p < .001. Full-time employment and number of children were the social factors most frequently associated with stressors. Overall, social factors were most highly associated with Working mother concerns. Findings indicate that full-time employed mothers could benefit from workplace and community support. In particular, guidance from health care professionals and childbirth educators about managing stress could aid mothers, especially those with first children.