Interventions to reduce postpartum stress in first-time mothers: a randomized-controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundThe postpartum period can be a challenging time particularly for first-time mothers. This study aimed to assess two different interventions designed to reduce stress in the postpartum among first-time mothers.MethodsHealthy first-time mothers with healthy newborns were recruited from hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon after delivery. The two interventions were a 20-minute film addressing common stressors in the postpartum period and a 24-hour telephone support hotline. Participants were randomized to one of four study arms to receive either the postpartum support film, the hotline service, both interventions, or a music CD (control). Participants were interviewed at eight to twelve weeks postpartum for assessment of levels of stress as measured by the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).ResultsOf the 632 eligible women, 552 (88%) agreed to participate in the study. Of those, 452 (82%) completed the study. Mean PSS-10 scores of mothers who received the film alone (15.76) or the film with the hotline service (15.86) were significantly lower than that of the control group (18.93) (p-value <0.01). Among mothers who received the hotline service alone mean PSS-10 score (16.98) was also significantly lower than that of the control group (p-value <0.05).ConclusionsBoth our postpartum support film and the 24-hour telephone hotline service reduced stress in the postpartum period in first-time mothers. These simple interventions can be easily implemented and could have an important impact on the mental wellbeing of new mothers.Trial registrationThe trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (identifier # NCT00857051) on March 5, 2009.

The Effect of Home-Based Supportive-Educational Counseling on Primigravidas’ Postpartum Stress

“…As Osman et al concluded, when a combination of several means and tools is used for training and consulting, the effectiveness of intervention is increased and this could be one of the reasons that the supportive-educational intervention of this study is effective. In the study of Osman, when a combination of playing postpartum supportive film and 24-hour accountability phone call was presented to a group, the effectiveness of intervention was more than other groups receiving just one of them (9). However, the combination of educational methods and content in the form of a training package and giving it to mothers and husbands is not so hard.…”

“…This study is the only interventional study that investigates postpartum stress with the help of specialized tools and based on stresses associated with child care, concerns related to physical health problems of women, and social support. The result of meta-analysis performed by Song et al suggest that other intervention studies have primarily measured stress in general and with the help of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and parental stress scale (9,33).…”

“…Planned interventions can facilitate maternal role for primiparous women by reducing postpartum stress (9) and increase mother's self-efficiency in activities regarding child care (25). Studies show that oral trainings in postpartum unit of hospitals do not sufficiently increase women's awareness of problem solving (26).…”

Evaluation of Pain, Stress and Coping in Puerperal Women After Cesarean Section / Avaliação da dor, Estresse e Coping em Puérperas no Pós-Operatório de Cesárea

“…The study points out that especially primiparous mothers may feel stressed by the changes and demands that childbirth imposes since they need to adapt to the new role. 17 Regarding the evaluation of perceived stress, it is highlighted that the items of the PSS-10 that had the highest frequency were "have been nervous or stressed" (2.63±53.58) and "have been angry because of things that were out of their control" (2.34±67.31). In a study that investigated the occurrence and control of stress in 30 sedentary and physically active pregnant women, it was verified that the majority, 93% had high levels of stress from sources intrinsic and extrinsic to gestation.…”

Psychosocial factors in post-partum parents in India

“…Mothers may feel exhausted and insecure regarding their capability to nurture an infant. 6 Overload of responsibilities and not having sufficient time to do things as they want have proved to be the most common stressors among fathers. 1 Their perspective is not taken into consideration very often.…”