| Description |
A descriptive study of the postpartum needs and concerns of 51 women who delivered by Cesarean section was conducted at one Salt Lake City hospital. The purpose of the study was to investigate and define the specific postpartum needs and concerns of women who deliver by Caesarean section. The mean number of total concerns of the sample was 5.8 out of a possible eight. The mean intensity score of total concerns was 24.3 out of a possible 8 through 56. The specific areas which the most women in the sample reported as areas of concern were difficulty getting enough rest (95.7%), difficulty keeping up with housework and family care (91.5%), concern with insufficient time for self (85.1%), concern relative to feelings of depression or anxiety (83.0%), and concern with insufficient time or energy for family (80.8%). Significant numbers of women also responded with concerns in the areas of feeling inadequate with baby care (61.1%), financial concerns (62.8%), concern with too many visitors (46.8%), and concern with too much advice form family and friends (36.2%). The concerns of highest mean intensity were difficulty getting enough rest, concern with insufficient time or energy for family, difficulty keeping up with housework and family care, concern relative to feelings of depression or anxiety, and concern with insufficient time for self, followed by financial concerns, feeling inadequate with baby care, concern with too many visitors, and concern with too much advice form family and friends. Adjustment of the mother and other family members to the new baby, perceptions of the recovery period, reactions to and feelings about the Cesarean section, and specific factors which may have influenced events and perceptions of the postpartum period were also investigated. All of the women in the sample expressed postpartum needs and concerns of varying number and intensity. A significant number of women expressed some difficulty in dealing both with the Cesarean delivery and with a Cesarean section recovery, indicating a need for follow-up study as well as increased support to these women. Recommendations for further study and for improved care are included. |
