Parenting sense of competence and its predictors among primiparous women: a longitudinal study in China

Abstract

Background Parenting sense of competence significantly affects the quality of parenting behaviours and healthy infant development. However, primiparous women without parenting experience may lack confidence and feel stress. This study aimed to explore the status of parenting sense of competence and identify its predictors among primiparous women. Methods A longitudinal study design was used. Primiparous women were recruited by using a convenience sample from two women’s and children’s hospitals in two cities in China. All primiparous women completed questionnaires on demographic characteristics, infant characteristics, family function, and parenting sense of competence at 1 month postpartum. At 3 months postpartum, each women’s parenting sense of competence was re-assessed. Generalised linear regression was applied to identify the predictors of parenting sense of competence at 3 months postpartum. Results A total of 743 Chinese primiparous women were included in the analysis. The average parenting sense of competence score of the participants at 3 months postpartum was 70.18 (SD = 12.33). According to the generalised linear regression analysis, higher levels of parenting sense of competence at 3 months postpartum were significantly associated with older age (β = 0.13, P = 0.005), better family function (β = 0.37, P < 0.001), and higher levels of parenting sense of competence (β = 0.35, P < 0.001) at 1 month postpartum. In contrast, lower levels of parenting sense of competence at 3 months postpartum were associated with poorer self-rated economic status (β = − 0.16, P = 0.027), poorer infant health (β = − 0.26, P = 0.007), and mixed or formula feeding (β = − 0.11, P = 0.018) at 1 month postpartum. Conclusions Chinese primiparous women have a relatively good parenting sense of competence, but there is still room for improvement. Maternal age, economic status, family function, infant health, and feeding patterns were significant predictors. To improve their parenting sense of competence, more attention should be paid to primiparous women who are young, with poor economic status, having an unhealthy infant, and mixed or formula feeding. In addition, measures should also be taken during the early postpartum period to improve family function.

Factors that interfere in maternal perception of security at postpartum

“…The encouragement, support and backing of the professionals involved fosters feelings of competence and self-efficacy which, in themselves, also promote confidence and security, which are essential for establishing and maintaining breastfeeding. 20,24,25 Limitations were found in this study. After analyzing the variables and their significance, it is suggested that larger-scale studies should be carried out to see if they would translate into different results, as is the case in other similar studies.…”

Fatores que interferem na percepção de segurança materna no pós-parto

“…O incentivo, suporte e apoio dos profissionais envolvidos, fomenta sentimentos de competência e autoeficácia que por si, também são promotores de confiança e segurança, imprescindíveis para o estabelecimento e manutenção da amamentação. 20,24,25 Foram encontradas limitações no presente estudo. Após análise das variáveis e da sua significância, sugere-se a realização de estudos de uma maior escala, para perceber se estes se traduziriam em resultados diferentes, tal como sucede noutros estudos semelhantes.…”

Postpartum stress in the first 6 months after delivery: a longitudinal study in Nantong, China

“…This may be because the physical and mental demands of parenting change as the child develops 53. Chinese primiparous women have relatively good parenting competence at 3 months postpartum 54. Later into the postpartum period, the women were able to better choose appropriate and regular feeding patterns, recognise their baby’s needs, and soothe their crying or upset baby.…”

“…53 Chinese primiparous women have relatively good parenting competence at 3 months postpartum. 54 Later into the postpartum period, the women were able to better choose appropriate and regular feeding patterns, recognise their baby's needs, and soothe their crying or upset baby. Hence, postpartum stress associated with infant nurturing was reduced, and it only increased if the baby developed any health issues.…”