Psychococial Changes During The Postpartum Period

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Psychococial Changes During The Postpartum Period
A. Phases of maternal adjustment
1. Takin-in phase
a. First 3 days pp; needs to discuss L&D
b. Preoccupied with own needs; passive and dependent
c. Touches and explores infant
2. Taking-hold phase
a. Third to tenth day postpartum
b. Obsessed with body functions
c. Rapid mood swings
d. Anticipatory guidance most effective now
3. Letting-go phase
a. 10 days to 6 wks pp
b. Mothering functions established
c. Sees infant as a unique person

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Psychococial Changes During The Postpartum Period
B. Bonding (also known as attachment)
1. Process by which parents form an emotional relationship with their infant over time
2. Mosther explores infant first with fingertips, then palms, and finally enfolding newborn with whole hands and arms
3. Holds infant in en face position, face-to-face position, about 20cm apart and on same plane
4. Uses a soft, high-pitched tone of voice
5. Engrossment is father's absorption, preoccumpation, and interest in infant shortly after birth, which can be stimulated by witnessing birth

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Psychococial Changes During The Postpartum Period
c. Postpartum blues: a maternal adjustment reaction
1. Transient depression usually occurs b/w second and third pp days and/or w/in firts 2 wks pp
2. Probably r/t changes in hormone levels, fatigue, and psychological stress r/t infaant dependency
3. Experienced to some degree by a majority of women
4. Characterized by mood swings, anger, tearfulness, feeling let down, anorexia, and insomnia
5. Usually resolves spontaneously; may need evaluation for pp deparession if sx prersist or are severe

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