Mothers' moods and social support when a second child is born.

Abstract

Problem: The relationship between mothers' different mood states and dimensions of support; the influence of antepartum and postpartum support on mood states as a function of stress and time.

Subjects: Married mothers (N = 50) expecting a second child when their firstborn was between 28-54 months old; 90% Caucasian; ages 24-40 years. Average education: 13 years.

Method: A short-term longitudinal correlational study to determine second-time mothers' moods relative to dimensions of support, stress, and timing of support. Instruments used: Profile of Mood States, Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire, Situation-Specific Support Scale, and the Crockenberg Stress Checklist.

Findings: Depressed, angry, and/or tired mothers reported inappropriate amounts of support and dissatisfaction with support received.

Conclusions & implications for nursing: Different types of support serve different functions before and after birth. Support must "fit" mothers' needs and is most effective if given when needed because of the limited "carry over" effect. Listening carefully to mothers describe their feelings enables nurses to determine support wanted or needed.