Characteristics of mother-provider interactions surrounding postpartum return to work

Abstract

Background: Many mothers with infants work full-time, yet little is known about communication between women and health care providers regarding returning to work (RTW). Methods: Survey data were obtained from a community-based sample of mothers returning to fulltime employment within 4 months postpartum. Bivariate analyses (χ2 and independent sample t tests) nd multivariate logistic regressions were specified. Results: Eighty-three percent of mothers believed prenatal providers should discuss RTW, yet only 0% had such a discussion; 58% discussed RTW with their infants' provider. Black women (odds ratio, 2.6) and women in poverty (odds ratio, 3.6) more often reported having an RTW discussion with a prenatal provider whereas mothers with college degrees or higher (odds ratio, 2.7) more often had RTW discussions with their infant's provider. RTW discussions occurred ≤3 times and were felt to be only somewhat useful. RTW discussions infrequently centered on maternal health (19.5%) or infant health or development (35.5%). Conclusions: Women want providers to initiate RTW discussions. Providers should be aware that race, poverty status, and level of maternal education impact a mother's odds of having an RTW discussion. Additional research is required to further delineate the content of RTW discussions and to determine the clinical value of RTW discussions.