Maternal performance after childbirth and its predictors: a cross sectional study
Publication Details
Choobdarnezhad, M.,
Amiri-Farahani, L.,
&
Pezaro, S.
(2024).
Maternal performance after childbirth and its predictors: a cross sectional study.
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24.
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Birthing parents need to use specialized skills as the frst caregiver of the newborn. Several factors may afect performance. Yet there is a paucity of research in this area, and evidence remains inconsist‑ ent. Consequently, this study aimed to determine maternal performance after childbirth and its predictors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with those (n=450) who had given birth (
Results: The mean age of the participants was 26.78 and the mean total score of maternal performance was 91.04 (0—120). The highest and lowest scores related to the ‘maternal competence’ and the ‘maternal needs’ domains, with mean score calculated at 77.51 and 72.81 respectively. ‘Childbirth experience’ and‘maternal self-efcacy’ domains had a statistically signifcant relationship with maternal performance (P<0.05). Among the predictive factors of mater‑ nal performance, the results of our linear regression demonstrated the variables of birth experience (B=0.63), mater‑ nal self-efcacy (B=1.53), spouse’s employment status (B=5.78 for worker level, B=3.99 for employee level), the num‑ ber of previous childbirth experiences (B= -8.46), frequency of receiving antenatal care (B= -6.68), length of stay in the birth suite (B= -2.22) and length of stay in the hospital (B=2.84) remained in the model. 53.2% of changes in maternal performance can be explained by these independent variables.
Conclusion: The promotion of evidence-based, person-centered, and respectful perinatal care during pregnancy and childbirth are of paramount importance. Strategies to improve the experience of childbirth and self-efcacy are especially required to improve maternal performance in the postpartum period. Prenatal care aimed at improving maternal function after childbirth will be important in achieving this overall.
Keywords
Birth experience, Maternal performance, Maternal self-efcacy, Predictors, Postpartum
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