Factors Associated with Postpartum Maternal Functioning in Black Women: A Secondary Analysis

Abstract

In the United States, 29–44% of Black women experience postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS), yet few are properly identified and/or connected to mental care services. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the relationship between maternal functioning and clinical variables (PDS, maternal–infant attachment), racial variable (Black racial identity types—low race salience, assimilated and miseducated, self-hating, anti-White, multiculturalist, and conflicted), and sociodemographic characteristics (relationship status, education, insurance, childbirth type). A total of 116 women living in the southern United States were included in the analysis. Multivariate analyses revealed that Black racial identity (p = 0.02), PDS (p < 0.0001), maternal–infant attachment (p < 0.0001), and educational level (p = 0.03) were independently associated with maternal functioning. This work provides new evidence regarding the role of various clinical and racial factors on Black postpartum women’s adjustment to motherhood. This analysis also adds to the growing body of evidence of reliability for the BIMF in Black postpartum women.

Maternal performance after childbirth and its predictors: a cross sectional study

“…Yet in the present study participants self-reported having no mental health issues. This is significant, as maternal performance is known to increase where the severity of depression is reduced and overall mental health is improved [26,33]. In the present study, the highest score related to the domain of 'maternal competence' was similar to results reported elsewhere in Iran [34].…”

“…In the present study, participants who had a higher level of education performed better than participants who had only primary education. In another study, participants with less education also demonstrated poorer performance [46], and in two other studies, the level of education had a positive and significant relationship with maternal performance, where those who had a higher level of education demonstrated enhanced maternal performance [31,33]. In other studies, there was a significant relationship identified between participant occupation and maternal performance [34].…”

Barriers to help-seeking for postpartum depression mapped onto the socio-ecological model and recommendations to address barriers

“…(15), include negative views of PPD from partners, family and friends. Gender identity, racial identity, and class may make some women uniquely susceptible to facing discrimination from others, which may increase the likelihood and severity of PPD symptoms and negatively impact help-seeking (24). A lack of emotionally warm and empathetic support can also be detrimental to seeking mental health treatment.…”