Assessing the association between fatigue and functional status during postpartum

Quality of Life and Sexual Satisfaction in the Early Period of Motherhood-A Cross-Sectional Preliminary Study

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of breastfeeding-related fatigue and family support on the sexuality and quality of life of mothers during early motherhood. A cross-sectional preliminary study was conducted between 1 October 2021 and 15 May 2022 in 65 women being in early postpartum period. We used the authors' questionnaire developed for the purposes of the study; the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women-SSS-W; the Mell-Krat scale for women; and the General Health Questionnaire-GHQ28. A significant negative correlation was found between the age of the patients and the reduction in somatic symptoms (GHQ28 questionnaire) (r = -0.315, p = 0.011). Women working professionally achieved significantly higher results in the SSS-W contentment category (r = 0.313, p = 0.014). Frequent sexual activity reduced disorders in social functioning (the GHQ28 questionnaire) (r = -0.107, p = 0.283). Women who breastfed up to 5 times a day (p = 0.033) reached significantly higher SSS-W scores in terms of communication. The partner's help significantly contributed to higher sexual satisfaction in the aspect of compatibility (p = 0.004) and the overall level of satisfaction determined with the SSS-W questionnaire (p = 0.016). The presented study suggests that older mothers who are employed and supported by a partner have a higher level of contentment, sexual satisfaction and quality of life.

Does the postpartum body image of primiparous women giving vaginal delivery affect their sexual functions and depression and fatigue levels?

The body image-related problems can negatively affect women's lives in many ways. The study was aimed at investigating the effects of postpartum body image on sexual functions, and fatigue and depression levels of primiparous women who gave birth vaginally. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 133 women who presented to the obstetrics and gynecology clinics of a state hospital in Turkey between June 2021 and December 2021. At the end of the study, a moderate relationship was determined between the women's body image and their depression (r = 0.500; p < 0.001) and fatigue (r = 0.666; p < 0.001) levels, and a weak relationship between their body image and sexual functions (r = -0.372; p < 0.001). According to the backward regression model used in the study, the women's fatigue and education levels accounted for their body image by 45.7%.

The effect of acupressure on postpartum fatigue in women delivering by caesarean section: A randomized controlled study

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of acupressure on postpartum fatigue in women who gave birth by cesarean section.

METHOD

This study is a randomized controlled experimental study. The study was conducted between August 2021 and January 2022 in the maternity wards of hospitals in Turkey. Multiparous women who gave birth by cesarean section were randomly assigned to acupressure (n = 60) and control (n = 62) groups. Acupressure was applied to the acupressure group for a total of four sessions on the points of LI4, ST36, and SP6, for an average of 15 min for each session. The application sessions continued for 48 h after the cesarean section. The data were collected with a Descriptive Information Form and the VAS-F.

RESULTS

It was determined that the mean posttest score of the fatigue dimension of the VAS-F was found to be significantly lower in the acupressure group (p = 0.023). Additionally, in the acupressure group, while the differences between the pretest and posttest results of the both fatigue and energy dimensions of the VAS-F were statistically highly significant in the acupressure group (p = 0.000), only the difference in the energy dimension was found to be statistically significant in the control group (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, acupressure was found to be effective in reducing postpartum fatigue in women who gave birth by cesarean section, and its usability for healthcare professionals was demonstrated.

Maternal Functioning and Depression Scores Improve Significantly With Participation in Visiting Moms® Program

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbearing can affect the entire family unit. Health professionals must strive to identify and develop effective, feasible solutions for women during this critical period. AIMS: To determine whether postpartum maternal functioning (as measured by the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning) and depression symptoms (as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) were improved after participation in the Visiting Moms program. METHOD: Paired data were collected from women at program intake and after completion of the Visiting Moms program. Visiting Moms provides services through eastern and central Massachusetts and was designed to support new mothers throughout the infant's first year of life. The study population was composed of adult women living in the Jewish Family and Children's Services geographic catchment area, who enrolled in Visiting Moms between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all 402 women enrolled in this timeframe. Utilizing a pretest/posttest design, paired t tests were performed for the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (n = 149) and for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (n = 156), where women had complete scores at both intake and completion, to determine the program's potential impact on depressive symptoms and functional status. RESULTS: Functioning and depression scores were significantly improved after participation in the program. CONCLUSIONS: Visiting moms, and similar programs, aimed at delivery of enhanced social support, may be effective in promoting mental and emotional wellness among new mothers who are require additional support in the postpartum period.