Postpartum concerns of low-risk, low-income mothers

The purpose of this study was to identify postpartum concerns of low-risk, low-income mothers during their third postpartum week. This study addressed two questions: (1) What are the concerns of low-risk, low-income postpartum women during their third postpartum week? (2) Are postpartum women concerned more about "self," "baby," or "others"?

Nineteen women receiving prenatal and postpartum care through a metropolitan health department in East Tennessee, ranging between 16 and 37 years of age, were interviewed over the telephone during their third postpartum week.

High concerns identified were safety (preventing accidents), money, being a good mother, recognizing signs of illness, return of figure to normal, and care of breasts. Findings from this study differed somewhat from those in the literature, however, concerns of low-income women had not been addressed in the past. Application of nursing theory and implications for nursing practice and further research were discussed.