Concerns of primiparous mothers at two months postpartum

This study examined the concerns of employed and unemployed primiparous mothers at 2 months postpartum. The convenience sample consisted of 51 subjects. The categories of maternal concerns that were studied included maternal-infant attachment, breastfeeding, child development, and maternal self-identity. The majority of mothers (72.5%) believed maternal employment could interfere with the establishment of attachment. Breastfeeding was chosen by 76.5% of the mothers and it was considered a positive experience. Most mothers (70.6%) were employed outside the home. Employed mothers did not view maternal employment as harmful to children, while unemployed mothers believed that maternal employment could have deleterious effects on children (t = $-$3.25, $p <$.01). Almost half of the employed subjects enjoyed their work a great deal. However, one-third of these mothers would have preferred unemployment if it had been economically feasible.