INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN Satisfaction With Social Support and Functional Status After Childbirth

Abstract

To explore the relationship between satisfaction with support and functional status after childbirth. Prospective longitudinal survey design. Two hundred new mothers who had experienced a healthy pregnancy, normal delivery and puerperium, and delivered a healthy infant between 37 and 42 weeks gestation were approached while attending primary healthcare maternal-child health centers and immunization clinics in New South Wales, Australia. Measurement tools included the Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth and the Support Behavior Inventory, and were administered at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Significant increases in total mean functional scores, scores for household responsibilities, social activities, and self-care were noted. Although no significant correlation was found between satisfaction with social support and functional status after childbirth, satisfaction with support from one's partner decreased significantly during the 6-month survey period, as did satisfaction with support from others. It could be that providers need to assess the social support needs of their clients. A postnatal support plan could be used by mothers to negotiate the long-term involvement of others in household tasks and selected aspects of infant care.