The identification of the relationship between the perceived social support, fatigue levels and maternal attachment during the postpartum period

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determinate the relationship between social support perceived by women, fatigue levels and maternal attachment in postpartum period.

Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consists of 181 women who gave birth in the study period. The data was collected by the socio-demographic characteristics forms; “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support” (MSPSS); “Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale” (MAFS) and “Maternal Attachment Scale” (MAS) on the postpartum first days and 30–40th days.

Results: MSPSS scores of women who had university or higher education, employed, had their first pregnancy, have 12 months or less between two pregnancies, were found to be significantly higher than others. MAS scores of women at the end of the postpartum first month were significantly increased. MAFS scores of women at the end of the postpartum first month were significantly decreased. The correlation between the fatigue levels and maternal attachment levels at the end of the postpartum first month was found to be negative and significant.

Conclusion: In the postpartum period, the care of the mother should include social support, maternal attachment and fatigue assessment. Mothers should be encouraged to use social support resources. The continuity of social support systems should be provided.

• Fatigue
• maternal attachment
• postpartum
• pregnancy
• social support

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.