2024, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A

author(s)
R Leelavathy, Dr. Gopinath Subramanian and D Bhuvaneshwari

abstract
A first-time mother faces many physical and psychosocial changes during the postpartum period, which in turn affect her maternal functioning. To positively influence these changes, the maternal activities of mothers who have given birth should be improved by providing Maternal and Newborn Care Interventions (MNCI). The effects of the MNCI on the functioning of Primiparous mothers were investigated in a quasi-experimental pretest study with a posttest comparative group design. This study was conducted at Government Hospital. A total of 72 Primiparous mothers (control group = 36, intervention group = 36) were recruited by sequential sampling. MNCI was delivered to the intervention group as direct nursing, individual and group teaching and demonstration using audio-visual material and a training book, discussion in a "Peer Viber Support Group" and follow-up calls. A baseline assessment was conducted between 32 and 36 weeks before delivery to assess postpartum self-care knowledge, maternal knowledge of newborn care, and social support. In addition to the baseline assessment, participants' self-efficacy and maternal functional capacity were assessed six weeks after delivery. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test, independent t-test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data. Results showed that maternal functioning significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group at six weeks after birth (p value 0.05). Improvements in postpartum self-care, maternal newborn care, social support and postpartum self-efficacy among Primiparous mothers were also observed six weeks after delivery (p value 0.001). This study highlighted that MNCI improved functioning in Primiparous women. Further research is recommended to determine the effectiveness of MNCI on postpartum maternal and child health outcomes in hospital and community settings.