ABSTRACT
PIP: Increased mobility of families and shorter hospital stays have added to the adjustment difficulties of new mothers, and lack of an adequate support system may cause the mother to end breast feeding. The purpose of this study was to identify the postpartum concerns of breast feeding mothers from time of discharge through the 1st postpartum month. The sample consisted of 32 women, aged 20-38, who had uncomplicated vaginal deliveries, were released from hospital by the 3rd day, and were breast feeding for the 1st time. They were telephoned daily during the 1st 2 weeks and twice a week for the 3rd and 4th week. 78% were primigravidas. 97% of the women reported a total of 210 concerns about the infant; 81% reported 237 concerns about themselves; and 19% reported 15 concerns about interactions with family or friends. Feeding-related concerns were most frequent in the 1st and 2nd weeks and included frequency of feeding (64%), formula and/or water supplementation, and duration of nursing time. Concerns about the infants' sleeping and crying behavior were also most frequent (76%) during the 1st 2 weeks. Sleeping concerns included the effects of long periods of wakefulness and sleeping during the day rather than at night. Crying or fussy behavior following feeding and during family dinner was reported by 53% of the mothers during the 1st week and 41% during the 2nd week. Concerns about the physical state of the infant included wellness and growth, temperature, cord care, bilirubin level, infection, and bowel movements. 81% of the mothers expressed concerns about themselves. Physical concerns included breast soreness, nipple pain and blisters, uterine bleeding and cramps, episiotomy pain, muscle pain, and hemorrhoids. 18 mothers reported emotional concerns, particularly fatigue. Only 6 mothers reported concern over interactions with family and friends, including lack of help from the father and pressure from visits by friends and relatives. The greatest number of concerns expressed in this study were related to the infant, whereas other studies have reported more maternal concerns. However, these women were all breast feeding, which may imply that they were more infant-oriented to begin with.^ieng
