Postpartum Health of Employed Mothers 5 Weeks After Childbirth

Abstract

PURPOSE Most new mothers return to work soon after childbirth. A need exists to reexamine the defi nition of postpartum health and evaluate employed women's recovery from childbirth in association with such factors as delivery type and breastfeeding.METHODS Using a prospective cohort design, we recruited Minnesota women into the study while they were hospitalized for childbirth in 2001. Telephone interviews were conducted 5 weeks postpartum. Eligible women were 18 years or older, employed, and spoke English. Multivariate models using 2-stage least squares were used to estimate factors associated with physical and mental health and postpartum symptoms.RESULTS A total of 817 women were enrolled (71% response) in the study; 716 women completed interviews at 5 weeks postpartum. On average, women reported 6 postpartum symptoms, most frequently fatigue (64%), breast discomfort (60%), and decreased desire for sex (52%). Findings showed that cesarean (vs vaginal) deliveries were associated with signifi cantly worse physical function, role limitations, and vitality. Multivariate fi ndings showed that the effect of delivery type on physical health was moderately large (␤ = -5.96; P = <.01), and breastfeeding was associated with an increased frequency of postpartum symptoms (␤ = 4.63; P = .01).CONCLUSIONS These mothers experienced several childbirth-related symptoms at 5 weeks postpartum, indicating a need for ongoing rest and recovery. Health concerns were greater for women who were breastfeeding and for those whose babies were delivered by cesarean section, suggesting a need for greater support for these women and a reassessment by the medical community of the progressively growing practice of cesarean deliveries. INTRODUCTIONT he participation of American women in the labor force during the last 20 years has changed most dramatically for mothers of infants. In 2003 their labor force participation rate was at 54%, 1 dipping slightly from a record high of 58% in 1998, but markedly higher than 31% in 1966.2 Many of today' s mothers are established in the marketplace before starting their families and remain employed during their child' s infancy by taking a family or medical leave.3,4 Among fi rst-time mothers employed during pregnancy and giving birth in the United States between 1991 and 1994, 13% had returned to work by 1 month after childbirth, increasing to 30% by 2 months, and 41% by 3 months, for a total of 76% returning within the fi rst year after childbirth. 4 With many new mothers returning to work soon after childbirth, a need exists to reexamine and broaden the definition of postpartum health, particularly for employed women.Traditionally, the medical perspective of the postpartum period refers to the time after childbirth that is required for the reproductive organs to return to their nonpregnant state, a process of about 6 weeks. 160 POSTPARTUM HEALTH OF EMPLOYED MOTHERSthan the single postpartum visit recommended at 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. Yet fi ndings from longitudinal studies suggest that ...

Mothers' Health and Work-Related Factors at 11 Weeks Postpartum

“…as preexisting health status, parity, breastfeeding, the availability of social support from family and friends, [8][9][10][11][12] and work-related factors, eg, the timing of return to work, job stress, and workplace support. 13 Few studies, however, have examined these factors in association with women's postpartum health.…”

Relationship between Health Related Quality of Life Determinants and Type of Delivery in Saudi Women

“…The effects of surgery and anesthesia might be of more influence on the HRQoL scores than normal delivery. From a HRQoL point of view, greater support and care for women who undergo caesarean section seems necessary [9].…”

“…HRQoL in patients after vaginal delivery (VD) was found to be significantly different from HRQoL in women after cesarean section (CS) [7]. With a prevalence of 60-70%, fatigue is the most frequent symptoms after 1 year [6,8,9].…”

On TRACK: Comorbidity and External Validity, Exemplary Practice, Postpartum Support

“…[20][21][22] The discussion also related important contextual information on public and workplace policies in different countries. [23][24][25][26] "In cultures that care for mothers after birth, mothers are allowed adequate rest, they have ongoing breastfeeding support from their care providers and family members, and their transition to motherhood is honored with rituals that celebrate this major life change."…”