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Maternal Psychological Well-Being
Tesfahun Simon Hadaro, Habtamu Alemu Tena ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This book chapter looks at maternal psychological well-being during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. It describes the biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that shape mothers' mental health. It says poor maternal well-being can affect mothers' physical recovery, children's behavioural and cognitive development, and family life. It draws on global trends and evidence from Ethiopia and argues for a multidisciplinary approach.
Key points
- Maternal psychological well-being covers emotional, mental and social health during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
- Hormonal changes, physical health, pre-existing mental health conditions, self-efficacy and social support shape maternal mental health.
- Poor maternal well-being affects mothers' physical recovery, children's behavioural and cognitive development, and family dynamics.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness approaches, peer support, maternity leave and integrated mental health care are described as effective.
- A multidisciplinary approach is recommended, drawing on global trends and evidence from Ethiopia.
Limitations
Only the abstract is available, so it gives no data, study methods or specific Ethiopian findings. It does not show how strong the evidence is for the interventions it calls effective.
Abstract
Maternal psychological well-being is a critical determinant of health outcomes for mothers and their children, encompassing emotional, mental, and social dimensions of health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This chapter explores the multifaceted concept of maternal psychological well-being, examining its biological, psychological, social, and cultural determinants. Hormonal fluctuations, physical health, pre-existing mental health conditions, self-efficacy, and social support systems all play pivotal roles in shaping maternal mental health. The consequences of poor psychological well-being are far-reaching, impacting mothers’ physical recovery, children’s behavioral and cognitive development, and family dynamics. Interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, peer support programs, and policy measures such as maternity leave and integrated mental health care, are effective in promoting maternal mental health. Drawing on global trends and evidence from Ethiopia, this chapter emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address maternal psychological well-being, recognizing its centrality to maternal and child health outcomes.