2025, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part B

author(s)
Shreya Bankar, Priti Malge, Dhanashree Adsul, Ritu Bandhan, Diksha Bairagi and Vaishnavi Shrimangle

abstract

Background: Mode of delivery can shape early postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and psychosocial health. Evidence from India on primipara mothers comparing caesarean versus vaginal birth in the immediate postnatal period remains limited.

Objectives: To assess and compare early postpartum problems in primipara mothers following normal vaginal delivery and caesarean section.

Methods: A quantitative, exploratory descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Pune among 100 primipara mothers (normal = 50; caesarean = 50) within four days postpartum. Purposive sampling was used. A structured tool captured socio-demographics, clinical recovery (pain, mobility, urinary/bowel), lactation (time to first feed, challenges, milk-supply perception, infant feeding difficulties), and psychosocial outcomes (Perceived Stress Scale; GAD-7; support, confidence, satisfaction). Descriptive statistics and inferential tests were applied; group mean scores were compared with a Z-test.

Results: Caesarean mothers more frequently initiated breastfeeding at 1-2 h (58%) versus 30-60 min in vaginal births (68%). Moderate pain predominated after caesarean (66%) while mild pain was common after vaginal birth (82). Mobility limitation requiring assistance was higher after caesarean (60% vs 2%), as were elimination problems (discomfort during elimination 52% vs 2%). Psychosocial burden was greater after caesarean (moderate/severe stress 56%/24% vs 44%/2%; lower confidence in newborn care 74% moderate/12% severe vs 8%/2%). Overall dissatisfaction was higher after caesarean (66% vs 22%). Mean problem scores were significantly higher in the caesarean group (59.2±5.5) than the vaginal group (40.6±4.3) (Z = 19, p<0.001).

Conclusions: Among primipara mothers, caesarean birth was associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation, greater pain and functional limitation, more elimination difficulties, higher anxiety/stress, and lower satisfaction. Early, structured post-caesarean recovery bundles multimodal analgesia, assisted skin-to-skin and first-hour latch, early mobilization, targeted urinary/bowel care, and proactive family support may narrow these gaps.