Experiences of New Mothers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Issue 2 (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Critchlow, Elizabeth; Birkenstock, Lyena; Hotz, Melanie; Sablone, Lauren; Riley, Amy Henderson; Mercier, Rebecca; Frasso, Rosemary
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 139:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004660
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE: To describe postpartum experiences of women who gave birth during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, to identify short-term and long-term opportunities to address maternal–child health during this pandemic. METHODS: This qualitative photo-elicitation study asked 30 women between 3 and 10 weeks postpartum to take photographs that encompassed their experience as a new mother during the pandemic. Two trained interviewers elicited elements of this experience using the photos as an anchor during virtual, hour-long interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis, including open coding to identify key ideas, codebook development, and codebook refinement. Half of transcripts were team coded to ensure coding accuracy. After coding, the study team organized codes to inform the development of an explanatory model. RESULTS: Interviews identified important stressors new mothers experienced that were worsened during the pandemic, namely fear, child care, older children, loss, isolation, and employment. Interviews also highlighted key support structures (self-care, interpersonal, and structural supports) that were at times helpful in alleviating stressors and at others were inadequate to counter stress and even enhanced stress. CONCLUSION: For postpartum individuals overall, the pandemic resulted in increased strain during an already stressful time. These findings demonstrate inadequacy of support systems for postpartum women and may highlight action items for stakeholders to improve postpartum care during the pandemic and in the future. Abstract : Postpartum women have experienced additional stressors with varied efficacy of self-care and interpersonal and organizational supports during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, highlighting opportunities to improve postpartum care.