The effect of the level of perceived social support in the postpartum period on maternal functioning and maternal attachment.

Aim: This study aims to examine the effect of the level of perceived social support in the postpartum period on maternal functioning and maternal attachment.

Methods: This study was conducted between January and May 2023 in two family health centers selected by simple randomization among 11 family health centers affiliated with the Health Directorate located in eastern Türkiye. The population of the study consisted of 410 mothers in the postpartum period who had babies aged 6-11 weeks old. Data were collected face-to-face using the "Personal Information Form", the "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support", the "Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning Scale" and the "Maternal Attachment Scale". Data analysis was performed using numbers, percentages, arithmetic means, independent groups t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis.

Findings: A positive, moderately significant relationship was found between maternal attachment and maternal functioning (r = 0.554; p < .05). A positive, moderately significant relationship was found between maternal attachment and perceived social support (r = 0.585; p < .05). A positive, highly significant relationship was detected between social support and maternal functioning (r = 0.861; p < .05).

Conclusion: This study found that postpartum women's attachment levels increased with the increase in their maternal functioning. It was also found that mothers' attachment levels increased with the increase in their perceived social support levels. Social support levels were proven to be effective on maternal functioning as well as maternal attachment. Women's maternal functioning levels were found to increase with the increase in their social support levels.

Practice implications: In light of these findings, pediatric nurses and obstetric nurses have great responsibilities. Starting from the prenatal period and including the postnatal period, both the mother and everyone around her should be explained the importance of social support.