What are the factors affecting parents’ postnatal sense of security?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The postpartum period is part of an important process for mothers and fathers. A sense of security is central as it might influence a parent's journey towards becoming a successful parent. The aim was to determine factors affecting parents' postnatal sense of security (PPSS) before postpartum discharge from a hospital in Konya, Turkey. METHODS A descriptive study was conducted. From January 2019 to March 2019, a questionnaire was given to a convenience sample of 188 couples discharged from a regional hospital in Turkey. The sense of security was assessed using the PPSS instrument, with low scores defined as those less than the mean. RESULTS Low and high sense of security was based on the mean in the population, for mothers 49.36 and for fathers 34.90. It was found that 43.6% of mothers and 69.7 % of fathers had a low score, which was linked to some specific factors in the postpartum period. These were the type of birth, being ready to take responsibility for baby care, being ready to be discharged, being healthy, having any concern about the baby's health, social support presence, having professional support, and presence of a sense of security. CONCLUSIONS Many parents, particularly fathers, have a low postnatal sense of security. In the postpartum period, it is very important for midwives, who are always with the family, to identify the risks for a low sense of security during this period and provide effective care. More studies in different settings with larger samples are recommended.

Factors that interfere in maternal perception of security at postpartum

“…Some authors state that monitoring pregnancy can be translated into feelings of tranquillity when mother and baby are physically well, which triggers feelings of security in this phase and in subsequent ones, such as childbirth and at postpartum. 1,18 On the other hand, and contrary to other studies, no statistically significant relationship was identified between being prepared for parenthood and the perception of security at postpartum. Preparation for parenthood has become an integral part of pregnancy monitoring in health care in Portugal.…”

“…One of the studies points to women who gave birth vaginally as having a higher perception of security at postpartum. 18 Cesarean section is a surgical procedure that inevitably carries more maternal and perinatal risks when compared to vaginal delivery and, as such, is likely to be associated with higher levels of maternal anxiety and insecurity. 21 Other authors also add the first skin-to-skin contact between mother and child as a contributing factor to a positive childbirth experience.…”

Fatores que interferem na percepção de segurança materna no pós-parto

“…Alguns autores afirmam que a vigilância da gravidez pode ser traduzida em sentimentos de tranquilidade quando a mãe e o bebê apresentam bem-estar físico, o que despoleta sentimentos de segurança nesta fase e nas subsequentes, como o parto e o pós-parto. 1,18 Por outro lado, e contrariamente a outros estudos, não foi identificada uma relação com significado estatístico entre ter feito preparação para a parentalidade e a percepção de segurança no pós-parto. A preparação para a parentalidade tem vindo a ser parte integrante do acompanhamento da gravidez nos cuidados de saúde em Portugal.…”

“…Um dos estudos aponta as mulheres com partos vaginais como sendo aquelas com maior percepção de segurança no pós-parto. 18 A cesariana é um procedimento cirúrgico que, inevitavelmente traz mais riscos maternos e perinatais, quando comparada ao parto vaginal e, como tal, é passível de ser associada a níveis superiores de ansiedade e insegurança materna. 21 Outros autores, acrescentam ainda o primeiro contacto pele-a-pele entre mãe e filho como fator contribuinte para uma experiência positiva de parto.…”