Social Support and Maternal Attitude of Postnatal Mothers

Maternal attitude is an important factor associated with maternal responsiveness. Ineffective maternal responsiveness can result in impaired mother infant attachment and problems in the growth and development of children.

The present study intended to determine the social support and to find association between social support and maternal attitude of postnatal mothers. A descriptive cross sectional research design was adopted. The study was conducted in two hospitals in Thiruvanathapuram. Sample consisted of 200 postnatal mothers at six weeks postpartum. Questionnaire on social support and maternal attitude scale was used.

Majority of the postnatal mothers received good support from husband, mother and mother –in-law. Majority (72.6%) of postnatal mothers had good maternal attitude. Support from husband (OR4.69; 95% CI 1.26–17.37), mother (OR10.83; 95% CI 2.85–41.13) and mother-in-law (OR 2.34; 95% CI 1.02–5.39) were shown to have significant association with maternal attitude.

This study highlights the importance of social support on maternal attitude. Assessment of maternal attitude is important for fostering maternal infant attachment.