Expectations, experiences, and desires: Mothers’ perceptions of the division of caregiving and their postnatal adaptation.

Abstract

First-time and experienced mothers’ prenatal expectations, postnatal experiences, and postnatal desires regarding the division of infant caregiving responsibilities with her partner were examined to explore whether postnatal desires may be a better indicator of mothers’ postnatal adaptation (self-efficacy, satisfaction, stress, depressive symptoms, and state anxiety) than prenatal expectations and postnatal experiences. Mothers (N = 132) completed a prenatal questionnaire during their third trimester and a postnatal questionnaire at 8 weeks postpartum. Women’s parental status (first-time vs. experienced) and their postnatal work status were associated with their expectations, experiences, and desires for the division of caregiving. Women whose partners were involved in the caregiving tasks reported more positive postnatal adaptation, whereas women, and particularly first-time mothers, who desired more partner involvement had poorer postnatal adaptation. The results suggest that mothers’ postnatal desires concerning the division of caregiving is important to consider in examining mothers’ postnatal adaptation.

Active Husband Involvement During Pregnancy: A Grounded Theory

“…Finally, although husbands and fathers are more involved during pregnancy and postpartum parenting than in the past (Powell & Karraker, 2019), men often receive the implicit message that they do not belong in the world of maternal health (Kaye et al, 2014). Marriage and family therapists and other mental health professionals can play a vital role in breaking down gender barriers as they work with couples during and after pregnancy.…”

“…Although there has been a recent focus on including fathers when examining experiences associated with the transition to parenthood, the research on fathers and on paternal involvement during pregnancy is limited. The existing literature points to the positive impact related to paternal involvement (Alio et al, 2010; Don & Mickleson, 2014; Lawrence et al, 2008; Martin et al, 2007; Powell & Karraker, 2019). Across cultures paternal involvement is associated with higher rates of prenatal care utilization, reduced rates of infants born at a low weight, lower levels of smoking and alcohol consumption by mothers during pregnancy, and decreased risk of maternal postpartum depression (Alio et al, 2010; Yargawa & Leonardi‐Bee, 2015).…”

“…Across cultures paternal involvement is associated with higher rates of prenatal care utilization, reduced rates of infants born at a low weight, lower levels of smoking and alcohol consumption by mothers during pregnancy, and decreased risk of maternal postpartum depression (Alio et al, 2010; Yargawa & Leonardi‐Bee, 2015). Wives also report better postpartum adaptation and higher relationship satisfaction when they perceive their spouse as supportive during pregnancy (Durtschi et al, 2017; Powell & Karraker, 2019). On the other hand, low levels of support from husbands during pregnancy have a negative relation with the emotional well‐being of wives, which is associated with increased risk for negative outcomes for wives and babies postpartum (Glazier et al, 2004).…”

Work stress in nurses returning to tertiary a general hospitals in China after the delivery of their second child: a cross-sectional study

“…They are the medical institutions with strong comprehensive strength in clinical, scientific research, teaching and management, and they are the mainstay of the medical service system. The workload in a tertiary A general hospital is heavy, the work is difficult, the medical risk is great [ 13 ], the continuity of postpartum nurses’ work is interrupted after their long maternity leave, and the problem of poor work adaptation generally occurs after they return to work [ 14 , 15 ]. Finally, the postnatal return period coincides with the breastfeeding period, and after returning to work these nurses also need to face the double stress of family care and the upbringing of two children.…”

Work Stress in Nurses Returning To Tertiary A General Hospitals in China After The Delivery of Their Second Child: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…[8] Secondly, the workload in a tertiary A general hospital is heavy, the work is di cult, the medical risk is great, [9] the continuity of postpartum nurses' work is interrupted after their long maternity leave, and the problem of poor work adaptation generally occurs after they return to work. [10,11] Finally, the postnatal return period coincides with the breastfeeding period, and after returning to work these nurses also need to face the double stress of family care and the upbringing of two children. This further increases the con ict between work and family.…”