A comparison of postpartum lifestyles among primiparous and multiparous mothers in Indonesia

Background/Aims Primiparous and multiparous mothers are likely to adapt differently to postpartum life. However, there is limited research comparing postpartum lifestyles between these populations. This study's aim was to address this gap by exploring postpartum lifestyle factors among women in Palembang City, Indonesia. Methods This comparative study assessed 209 postpartum mothers' (n=106 primiparous; n=103 multiparous) postpartum lifestyles, including their nutritional status, dietary patterns, sleep habits, physical activity, psychological distress and family support. Adjusted simple linear regression analysis was used to compare variables. Results Multiparous mothers showed significantly poorer dietary patterns (P<0.001) but better sleep habits (P<0.001) than primiparous mothers. Conclusions Multiparous mothers have unique postpartum lifestyle changes, including poorer diets but better sleep habits, compared to primiparous mothers. Targeted interventions are crucial for these mothers. Implications for practice Postpartum care should be tailored by parity, with nutritional support for multiparous mothers and sleep-focused interventions for primiparous mothers.