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The effect on receiving preparation for probable post birth experiences on postpartum emotional distress in first time mothers

University of British Columbia

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of receiving preparation for probable postpartum experiences on the emotional distress experienced by first time mothers. The study compared the distress during the postpartum period of mothers who received the preparation with that of mothers who did not. Distress was measured at between 1 and 2 months postpartum. Distress during the postpartum period was defined as an increase in depression and anxiety and a decrease in feelings of well being from pre- to post- birth. Depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, anxiety by the A-State scale of the Spielberger State- Trait Anxiety Inventory and well being by the Bradburn Affect Balance Scale. Subjects were 32 first time mothers with little or no previous experience with babies, who were in a stable relationship with their partner, who had been engaged in work which they enjoyed prior to the pregnancy, and who would not be living in an extended family situation following the birth. All subjects attended childbirth preparation classes primarily aimed at preparing mothers for labour and childbirth. The experimental group also attended a 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hour session in which they received preparation for their first months postpartum. The hypothesis was that subjects in the experimental group, having received the preparation, would show significantly less emotional distress postpartum than the subjects in the control group. Subjects in the experimental group also completed questionnaires in which they rated the preparation and the overall effectiveness of the session in preparing them for the first weeks at home with baby and commented upon the ways in which the session was helpful as well as made suggestions for improvement. No statistically significant differences were found on the measures of distress between the group which received the preparation and the group which did not. However, members of the experimental group who received the preparation rated the preparation session as having been of benefit in preparing them for the adjustments which they had to make during their first months postpartum. It was thus concluded ' that despite the lack of significant differences on the measures employed, this type of preparation may be beneficial for new mothers.

Thesis/Dissertation

application/pdf

2009-01-28

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/3975

Counselling Psychology

University of British Columbia

UBCV

DSpace