What are women stressed about after birth?. Issue 4 (14th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ayers, Susan; Crawley, Rosalind; Webb, Rebecca; Button, Susan; Thornton, Alexandra
• Other Names: Smith Helen investigator.; Bradley Robert investigator.; Lee Suzanne investigator.; Moore Donna investigator.; Field Andy investigator.; Eagle Andrew investigator.; Gyte Gill investigator.
• Is Part Of: Birth. Volume 46:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 678
• Page End: 685
• Publication Date: 2019-10-14
• Subjects: birth -- postpartum -- stress; Childbirth -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Care -- Periodicals; Natural childbirth -- Periodicals; 618.1
• DOI: 10.1111/birt.12455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0730-7659

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Having a baby is associated with a variety of stressors, change, and adjustment. This study aimed to identify what women find stressful during the early postpartum period in contemporary Western society. Methods: Women (n = 148) 6‐12 weeks postpartum wrote anonymously about a situation they found stressful as part of the Health after Birth Trial (HABiT) of expressive writing. Transcripts were analyzed for categories of stressors and cross‐cutting themes. Results: Five categories of stressors were identified. Stressors in pregnancy, labor, and the early postpartum period (49.3%) included physical and emotional difficulties, and insensitive treatment by health professionals. Stressors related to adjusting to life with a baby (35.8%) included difficulties coping with a new baby, parenting, juggling responsibilities, changes to physical health, and loneliness. Stressors related to the baby's health (32.4%) included infant digestive problems, acute health problems, long‐term impact, and neonatal intensive care unit experiences. Stressors related to breastfeeding (23.7%) included pressure to breastfeed, feeling like a 'bad mum' for not breastfeeding, or wanting to breastfeed and not being able to. Other stressors related to changing relationships (18.2%): with their partner, children, and other family members. Cross‐cutting themes that emerged in different stressor categories were women making negative self‐appraisals (eg, a bad mum, failure), feeling guilty, and lack of support from others. Discussion: Our findings emphasize the importance of exploring stressors and psychological well‐being with women to provide support, help women's adjustment postpartum, and ensure interventions are offered when appropriate.