Change in maternal concerns during the 6 weeks postpartum period: A study of primiparous mothers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The purpose of this study was to describe the postpartum concerns of primip aras. A cohort study included 79 mothers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Mother s sorted topics into worry, interest, and confidence. Trends of decreasing worry and increasing interest and confidence for baby-related and mother-re lated topics were observed from 1 to 6 weeks. At 1 week mothers worried abo ut baby's eyes, respiration, temperature, safety, and crying, but. at 6 wee ks only crying was a problem. Need for information was constant about gener al health, baby behavior, and care of the baby. At I week mothers worried a bout swollen perineum. and feeling tired and nervous. They wanted informati on about preventing hemorrhage and infection and taking care of the perineu m, breasts, and nipples. Trends of increasing worry and decreasing confiden ce were observed with respect to family relationships. At 6 weeks, mothers worried about the husband/partner's reaction to themselves and to the baby. Confidence in relatives' reaction to themselves and the baby decreased. Be ing aware of the changes in the way concerns are expressed may guide nursin g/midwifery interventions for mothers as to the content and timing. (C) 200 1 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.