| Abstract [eng] |
This study aimed to understand how preparation for childbirth is related to the experience of childbirth in a hospital and postpartum depression and what are the connections between the experience of childbirth in a hospital and postpartum depression. 1179 women aged from 18 to 45 years. (M = 29,53, SD = 3,9) participated in the research. Research participants from all over Lithuania filled out a survey distributed online. Birth preparation and hospital birth experiences were investigated by a survey developed by Motinystę globojančių iniciatyvų sąjunga, and postpartum depression symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Analyzing the preparation for childbirth, it was found that women who participate in educational preparation activities were more satisfied with their knowledge about childbirth, and women who participated in psychological preparation activities before childbirth felt better prepared psychologically for it. No significant correlations were found between participation in educational, physical activity preparation activities and medical childbirth experience. Women who participated in educational and psychological preparation for childbirth activities used more non-drug pain relief methods, but experienced similar levels of pain as women who did not participate in such activities. Participation in educational childbirth preparation programs is associated with more active participation in decision-making during childbirth. Women who participated in psychological preparation activities were less satisfied with the care they received during and after childbirth, and women who participated in these activities also faced a higher risk of postpartum depression. More symptoms of postpartum depression were experienced by women who gave birth by caesarean section and those who experienced a higher level of pain. Assessment of psychological preparation for childbirth and satisfaction with knowledge about childbirth are significant predictors of postpartum depression symptoms. The study provides important insights into the perspectives of childbirth preparation. |
