Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
This study explored the relationship and predictability of self-care with general well-being for postpartum mothers. Mothers are crucial to society, yet they may experience depression or other mental illnesses during pregnancy and after birth. Preventative programs to reduce postpartum mental illness lack a clear evidence base, and factors that promote well-being (a strength-based approach) focusing on well-being is generally not provided. This study aims to explore postpartum mothers' self-care practices and well-being from the perspective of a strength-based approach. Rather than rely on a deficit approach and further problematize the experiences of postpartum women, this study aimed to identify the relationship and predictability of self-care with general well-being for postpartum mothers.
METHODS:
This study was a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design using an online survey with women aged 18 years and older who had given birth in Australia to a infant between 6 weeks and 12 months (N = 140) regarding their self-care practices and general well-being. RESULTS: A hierarchical multiple linear regression found a strong relationship between self-care behaviors and well-being during the first year of motherhood. Findings also revealed that significant confounding factors impacted the relationship between self-care and well-being with the number of complications experienced during pregnancy to postpartum and prior experiences of " baby blues. "
DISCUSSION:
Findings from the current study provide evidence of the importance of self-care, and a strength-based approach for enhancing self-care skills may assist in improving the well-being of postpartum mothers. Further research is needed to identify other interactions affecting the relationship and to investigate causality.