Changes in mothers’ social support network during pregnancy and childbirth

Authors

  • Maíra Ribeiro de OLIVEIRA Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Psicologia, Departamento de Psicologia Escolar e do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Familiar.
  • Maria Auxiliadora DESSEN Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Psicologia, Departamento de Psicologia Escolar e do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Familiar.

Keywords:

Social support, Pregnancy, Child birth, Social network, Family transition

Abstract

The social support network has been highlighted as one of the most important factors in maintaining the welfare of mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. The aim of this study is to ascertain the changes in support from family and others during this period, according to 45 pregnant women and 42 women with children under six months old. Data was collected by administering a family questionnaire and a semi-structured interview, focusing on information about the characterization of the family and the social support network during pregnancy and childbirth. The results show that the main changes occurred with social contact and psychological and material support. We suggest that family educational programs are fundamental in helping families during this period of transition.

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Published

2012-03-30

How to Cite

OLIVEIRA, M. R. de, & DESSEN, M. A. (2012). Changes in mothers’ social support network during pregnancy and childbirth. Psychological Studies, 29(1). Retrieved from https://periodicos.puc-campinas.edu.br/estpsi/article/view/8741