Land of Shadow: Perceived maternal self-efficacy

Abstract Background In our society, often women arrive at the motherhood without community and family models, and without an effective support network from the services. The aim of the study is to investigate mothers’ perceived maternal competence (self -efficacy) and its possible correlations with pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted on a sample of mothers from all over Italy, using an online survey conducted from August to October2023.The questionnaire consisted of 26 questions including the Brief Parental Self-Efficacy Scale.The instrument used a score from 5 to 25; we used a score of 15 as cut-off for perceived low or high self-efficacy.Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test and subsequently, the Odds Ratio was calculated to define how statistically strong the association is between the BPSE score obtained and specific variables studied. Results The sample consisted of 4553 mothers.56.6% were women between the ages of 31 and 40 and 28.7% were women over 40 years old.20% of the women in our sample suffered from postpartum depression. The women in our sample report having received help in caring for their first child in 42% of the cases from their partner and in 30% of the cases from other family members.The mean BPSE score was 19.45.Women who obtained a BPSE Score >15 were more likely to have received support from their partner(O.R:1.4;C.I:1.1-2.0). Women who scored a BPSE Score<15 were less likely to have had support from partners/family members (OR:1.5;C.I:1.1-2.0).Women with a BPSE Score<15 were more likely to have experienced postpartum depression (OR:1.4;C.I:1.1-1.8). Conclusions Our study shows that the woman in particular who becomes a mother, cannot be left alone; she needs emotional and environmental support so that she can rediscover within herself the value, competence and power of motherhood. Key messages • Action must be taken so that, along with improved health care, the network of social interventions for new mothers and couples is strengthened. • The woman, in particular who becomes a mother, cannot be left alone.