4 September 2006

Research offers practical tips to help tired mums

A University of Canberra researcher is providing strategies to help mothers of cope with fatigue after childbirth.

Dr Jan Taylor, a midwife with 23 years experience, identified fatigue as a significant problem for women after birth. Her PhD research looked at how women manage their fatigue, and how useful their chosen strategies were.

The study focused on 59 women with partners from the ACT, ranging in age from 20 to 44 years of age, almost half with tertiary qualifications.

Important themes that came out of the study were 'looking after me' and 'managing the load'.

"Previous research has shown that women put their needs last but women have to care for themselves in order to care for their family," Dr Taylor said.

Taking time out away from the task of being a mother was important and could be something as simple as a short walk or an enjoyable activity. Dr Taylor said that while resting was commonly used to battle fatigue a surprise finding was using exercise by some women as a strategy to increase their energy levels.

A recommendation from Dr Taylor's research is the implementation of a life skills program in the lead up to birth.

"Antenatal classes should encourage people to ask for support. This could be included as an antenatal plan so women and their partners think about how they will manage and who they can ask for help."

Dr Taylor suggested practical tips such as collecting IOU's from family and friends to 'pick up the Ajax and clean the bath' in place of 'six embroidered singlets'.

Planning and developing a routine was also effective with a realistic expectation of what can be achieved.

"The 'superwoman identity' has created an increased pressure on women and men these days and parents should be realistic about how much they can achieve," Dr Taylor said.

The research was part of a larger study Dr Taylor undertook involving 504 women that examined the links between postnatal fatigue, depression and anxiety. She hopes the study will contribute to antenatal and postnatal education enabling women and their partners to plan how they will manage fatigue during the first months of parenthood.

UC Communications

Gaye Morrison
T: 02 6201 5855
M: 0409 470 755

Kaddie Pass
T: 02 6201 2681

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Last Updated on August 1, 2005