A Study to Challenges Faced by Mothers and the Coping Strategies Adopted by Them During Postpartum Period at Selected Saveetha Rural Health Centre

Abstract

The current study aims to to assess the demographic status of the mothers , level of challenges faced by the mothers and coping strategies by them during postpartum period and to find the association between level of challenges with selected demographic variables. The quantitative approach with Experimental descriptive research design was adopted for the present study. A total of 60 postnatal mothers who met the inclusion criteria was selected by Non- probability purposive sampling technique .This study has been conducted for a interval of 1 weeks .The data was collected by self- structured questionnaire was developed to assess the challenges faced by the mothers during postpartum period and coping strategies adopted by them which coveres 30 questions on the general knowledge aspects . The collected data were tabulated and analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that variable such as occupation and type of family shows significant association with challenges faced by the postpartum mothers.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

The postnatal phase starts as soon as the baby is born and lasts for up to 6 weeks. It matters to the mother, the child, and the entire family. The woman must undergo significant changes during this time because it may be an important and difficult time in her reproductive life [1]. 10% to 20% of women have postpartum depression [2]. But only 50% of women with the noticeable symptom receive a diagnosis[3]. "Situations in which the demands on individuals exceed their adaptive skills" are what are referred to as stressful situations. Postpartum depression is strongly correlated with postpartum stress [4]. The mood and wellbeing of mothers have repeatedly been linked to postpartum stress. Mothers typically exhibit postpartum blues symptoms in the first few days following delivery because they are adjusting to several life changes and alterations, including new patterns, home chores, and routines [5]. Numerous contributing factors have been identified by significant research, however the exact reasons of postnatal depression remain unknown. commonly recognised psychological and psychosocial risk factors, including lack of social support, marital conflict, life stress, and mother self-esteem and Multiple pregnancy also causes the depression [6] [7]. For new mothers, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has the potential to be a mental health risk. Increased PTSD symptoms have been linked to unhelpful coping mechanisms during the postpartum period, when women experience a lot of pressures, demands, and obstacles. [8]. disorders may have a negative impact on the bond between a woman and her infant, as well as on marital and family ties and child development [9].Stress levels were higher in mothers than in fathers, and mothers' stress levels were correlated with attachment, maternal health status, average sleep duration, employment status, and family income, whereas fathers' stress levels were correlated with attachment and health status. Therefore, it is essential to have a thorough grasp of mothers' sentiments and experiences because the postpartum period is a trying time when moms want assistance [10]. Coping mechanisms are deliberate actions taken to deal with difficult circumstances. Parents use a variety of coping strategies to manage the stress of parenting. One could adopt problem-focused coping mechanisms in which they assess the unpleasant circumstance and take immediate action [11]. To be able to care for their babies at home after being released from the hospital, mothers must develop coping mechanisms. [12]. Adjustment settings Physiological, self-conceptual, role-based, and interdependent actions or responses are proven through four ways in which women's regulating and cognitive coping subsystems are activated throughout the puerperium.

The Autonomic Nervous System and the Endocrine System mediate the regulatory subsystem, and its reactions are represented in the physiological mode. [13].Psychosocial adaptations, which frequently last much longer than 6 to 8 weeks to resolve, include changes in parental role, changes in family connections, and alterations in self- perception and body image [14]. changes in diet and exercise habits, as well as women's experiences with weight changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period and the coping mechanisms they employ [15]. The level of parental behaviour can be greatly impacted by a feeling of competence and contentment in the maternal role during the transition to parenthood. Women who felt confident in their ability to be good mothers exhibited a secure attachment style and responsive, caring nurturing behaviour, which aided the infant's growth and development. [16].

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted in saveetha rural health centre mapped, Thiruvallur district. The research approach used for this study was quantitative approach and Non-Experimental descriptive research design .The total study sample was 60 postnatal mothers were selected by Non- purposive sampling technique with the inclusion criteria of Postnatal mothers between at mapped, who are willing to participate the present study and who can read, write and understand English and Tamil .mothers who are not willing to participate in study. who are not available during the study period and who cannot read, write and understand English and Tamil are excluded. The study was conducted for the interval of 1 week. The permission letter was obtained from the medical officer in selected health centre and approved by the ethics committee of the institution. Informed consent was obtained by the investigator from the study samples and explained the purpose of the study to ensure better cooperation. The demographic variables and data was collected by self- structured questionnaire to assess the challenges faced by the mothers during postpartum period and coping strategies adopted by them. The collected data was tabulated and analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics.who cannot read, write and understand English and Tamil.

IV. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Authors would like to appreciate all the study participants for their co-operation to complete the study successfully.

V. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

VI. FUNDING SUPPORT

None.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the current study it was evident that maximum of them at level 1 challenges , 33.3% are level 2 and 23.3 of them of level 3 challenges and also occupation and type of family shows significant association with challenges faced by the postpartum mothers

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2022 Dr. Kala Barathi S, Kavitha. B, Shalini. S, Dr. Kala Barathi. S. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.