POSTPARTUM SELF-CARE LITERACY AND MATERNAL WELL-BEING: EXAMINING THE CONTRIBUTION OF CONTINUITY OF MIDWIFERY SUPPORT

Danial Iqrom; Teka Aprizal Mukmin; Lina

doi:10.55681/aohj.v2i2.568

Authors

Danial Iqrom
Teka Aprizal Mukmin Institut Teknologi dan Kesehatan Aspirasi
Lina Institut Teknologi dan Kesehatan Aspirasi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55681/aohj.v2i2.568

Keywords:

Postpartum self-care literacy, Maternal well-being, Continuity of midwifery support, Postnatal care, Maternal health literacy

Abstract

Postpartum self-care literacy enables women to obtain, understand, evaluate, and apply information needed for physical recovery, danger-sign recognition, emotional well-being, nutrition, hygiene, medication use, breastfeeding, rest, and timely care seeking. However, fragmented postnatal services may leave women uncertain about normal recovery and when professional assessment is required. This study examined the contribution of continuity of midwifery support to postpartum self-care literacy and maternal well-being. A simulation-based quasi-experimental design compared routine postnatal care with a continuity pathway among 320 synthetic postpartum records followed for six weeks after birth. The continuity pathway included a named midwife or small team, scheduled contacts, individualized education, teach-back communication, symptom screening, self-care planning, and referral escalation. Outcomes included self-care literacy, danger-sign knowledge, self-care confidence, postnatal follow-up completion, psychological well-being, and timely help seeking. Simulated findings showed higher literacy scores, stronger confidence, better follow-up completion, and faster responses to concerning symptoms in the continuity pathway. Women receiving repeated personalized education demonstrated better modeled application of self-care information than women receiving routine discharge information alone. Continuity also supported emotional reassurance and reduced uncertainty, although workload, digital access, cultural practices, privacy, and service capacity remained implementation considerations. The study suggests that continuity can convert postpartum education from one-time information delivery into an iterative process of understanding, practice, reassessment, and support. Prospective research using real maternal data is required to determine effectiveness, equity, cost, and clinical outcomes in Indonesian maternity services. This interpretation emphasizes respectful, continuous, evidence-informed postpartum support and

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