Maternal adjustment five months after birth : the impact of the subjective experience of childbirth and emotional support from the partner

Objectives: Recent research suggests that negative childbirth experiences maycause maternal maladjustment. The impact of intranatal emotional distress, intranatalphysical discomfort and postnatal emotional evaluation of birth on symptoms of posttraumaticstress and depression is investigated with regard to the moderating role of emotional supportfrom the partner.Method: Subjective childbirth experience measured with the German versionof the Salmons Item List, obstetric characteristics and postnatal emotional support from thepartner were assessed in 374 women six weeks after childbirth. Trauma symptoms andpostnatal depression were measured five months after childbirth.Results: Postnatal emotionalpartner support acts as a moderator of the effect of the subjective childbirth experience on thedevelopment of symptoms of avoidance, intrusive thoughts and depression. The direct influenceof emotional partner support is stronger regarding symptoms of depression and hyperarousalthan regarding avoidance and intrusive thoughts. No direct association between intranatalphysical discomfort/labour pain and later maternal adjustment could be found.Conclusion:Women with a negative childbirth experience and poor emotional support from their partner areat increased risk for psychological maladjustment in the first five months after birth.