Physiological and Psychological Outcomes of Vaginal and Cesarean Delivery in Postpartum Mothers: A Literature Review

Abstract

The postpartum period is a crucial period marked by physiological and psychological changes in mothers after childbirth. The type of delivery, whether vaginal or cesarean section (CS), has a different impact on the mother's recovery process. Mothers who deliver by CS tend to experience higher pain, delayed uterine involution, and difficulty mobilizing. Furthermore, post-CS mothers are at higher risk of breast milk production being disrupted, although this can be improved through interventions such as oxytocin massage. Psychologically, mothers who deliver by CS are more susceptible to post-traumatic stress and postpartum blues, which can affect the adaptation process and attachment with the baby. Therefore, a comprehensive study is needed regarding the differences in the impact of childbirth on the condition of postpartum mothers. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the differences in the impact of normal delivery and cesarean section on the physiological and psychological conditions of postpartum mothers, including aspects of pain, uterine involution, breast milk production, psychological adaptation, and bonding attachment, based on the results of a literature review of various relevant studies. This study employed a literature review with a descriptive approach. Data were obtained from 10 scientific journal articles relevant to the topic of postpartum mothers and types of childbirth. The articles used varied research designs, including cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, and pre-experimental. Analysis was conducted by grouping and comparing research results based on the physiological and psychological aspects of postpartum mothers. Studies show that mothers who deliver by cesarean section tend to experience higher pain, slower uterine involution, and difficulty producing and releasing breast milk compared to those who deliver vaginally. Furthermore, post-cesarean section mothers are also at higher risk of psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress and postpartum blues, as well as lower attachment to their babies. However, several interventions, such as early mobilization, oxytocin massage, and back massage, have been shown to help improve postpartum maternal recovery