Factors associated with parenting behavior of mothers in the early postpartum period in Turkey.

This study determined the factors associated with parenting behavior during the early postpartum period in first-time mothers. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in the postpartum ward of a state hospital in Aydın, Turkey. The study included 207 first-time mothers selected by non-probability sampling method. A significant weak, positive correlation was found between the Postpartum Parenting Behavior Scale score at the time of initial acquaintance with her infant and the Labor Agentry Scale score. Stepwise multiple regression analyses, performed to determine factors associated with the parenting behavior score of the mothers in the early postpartum period, revealed two statistically significant variables, which increased the strength of the model: maternal age and infant's birth weight. Midwives should observe early parenting behaviors, particularly of younger mothers having babies with low birth weight, appreciate their positive behaviors, and encourage them to develop appropriate behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]