Effectiveness of Structured Stress Management, Module on Stress of Primi Mothers During, Early Postnatal Period in a Selected Private Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu

Background:

The postpartum period is a time for mothers to adjust to the new role of motherhood as the attachment process continues. During this period, the mothers experiences many psychological and physiological changes (Rubin Reva, 1984). Ayers and Pickering (2001) reported that prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder after child birth ranges from 1.5% to 5.6%. Hung and Chung (2001) stated that three factors associated with postpartum stress are maternity role attainment, lack of social support and body changes. Romito. P (1999) stated that the factors associated with new mothers psychological distress are, an unsatisfactory couple relationship, lack of confidence and financial worries. Postpartum psychological distress leads to maternal disability and disturbed mother infant relationship. Approximately 10-15% of all new mothers get postpartum depression, which most frequently occurs, in the first year after the birth of a child (Infan Naveed and Badar Ahmed, 2002). Lyon Ruth, et. al., (2000) and Murray (1977) stated that postnatally distressed mothers are more likely to engage in negative parenting behaviours and their children are at risk for behavioral and cognitive deficits from infancy to early child hood. Stress management is highly recommended and help mothers who want to lead a healthier life. Teaching module in stress management was very effective to identify sources of stress, change the mother's response to stress, reduce the level of stress and improve positive thinking on the child's behaviour.(Leverton, 1989).