JOGNN - Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing
Volume 39, Issue 3, 2010, Pages 250-262

Predictors of Crying Problems in the Early Postpartum Period (Article)

Kurth E.* , Spichiger E. , Cignacco E. , Kennedy H.P. , Glanzmann R. , Schmid M. , Staehelin K. , Schindler C. , Stutz E.Z.
  • a Is a midwife and research associate at the University of Basel, Institute of Nursing Science, Basel, Switzerland
  • b Is a lecturer at the University of Basel, Institute of Nursing Science, Basel, Switzerland
  • c Is a lecturer at the University of Basel, Institute of Nursing Science, Basel, Switzerland
  • d Is the Helen Varney Professor of Midwifery at Yale University School of Nursing, CT and President Elect of the American College of Nurse-Midwives., New Haven, United States
  • e University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
  • f Swiss Federation of Midwives, Bern, Switzerland
  • g Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
  • h Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
  • i Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland

Abstract

Objective: To investigate maternal and infant factors associated with midwife-reported crying problems in the early postpartum period. Design: Case control study. Setting: Postnatal home care in Switzerland. Participants: Seven thousand seven hundred and sixty-five mother/child dyads who received postnatal homecare by midwives (n=1,636 cases of midwife-reported crying problems, n=6,129 controls). Methods: We investigated factors associated with infant crying problems during the postpartum period as documented in the Statistical Database of Independent Midwives' Services in Switzerland (2007). Using case control methodology, we matched all identified cases of crying problems with controls who had been cared for by the same midwife. A conditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations of reported crying problems with maternal and infant factors. Results: Maternal health and mood problems in the immediate postpartum period were significantly associated with reported crying problems. Maternal health and mood problems included physical complications after birth, psychological decompensation, and depression. Further risk factors for infant crying problems were planned resumption of paid work directly after paid maternity leave (at 15-16 weeks postpartum) and immigrant status. A protective effect was observed for higher parity. Conclusions: Crying problems in the early postpartum period are associated with mothers' physical, psychological, and social conditions. Care practices that promote new mothers' physical and psychological recovery after birth could be a promising strategy to prevent early crying problems. Specific support is important for mothers with early signs of depression or decompensation, intention to return early to paid work, immigrant background, and for first-time mothers. © 2010 AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

Author Keywords

Colic Postpartum period Newborn Parity maternal health Maternal depression Excessive crying

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77954046823&doi=10.1111%2fj.1552-6909.2010.01141.x&partnerID=40&md5=b51ba893ea77159530334fb9e713b35a
DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2010.01141.x
ISSN: 08842175
Cited by: 26
Original Language: English