Vulnerable baby perception as a predictor of postpartum obsessive-compulsive behaviors in mothers

The postpartum period includes the care of the baby. An overprotective approach to the baby in this process can lead to the emergence of obsessive behaviors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between vulnerable baby perception and postpartum obsessive-compulsive behaviors in mothers. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 334 mothers who were 2–8 weeks postpartum. The study data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, the Vulnerable Baby Scale, and the Obsessive and Compulsive Behaviors of Mothers Related to Baby Care in the Postpartum Period Scale. It was completed with 334 mothers who were 2–8 weeks postpartum. The SPSS 27 program was used to analyze the research data. The mean Vulnerable Baby Scale score was 35.81 ± 6.13, while the mean postpartum obsessive-compulsive behavior score was 26.27 ± 8.42. Women with a history of risky pregnancy had significantly higher vulnerable baby perception scores. A significant positive association was found between vulnerable baby perception and postpartum obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that vulnerable baby perception remained a significant independent predictor of postpartum obsessive-compulsive behavior scores after adjustment for sociodemographic and obstetric variables (β = 0.142, p = 0.007). The final model explained 15.1% of the variance in postpartum obsessive-compulsive behavior scores. Mothers’ perceptions of vulnerable babies were positively associated with postpartum obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and vulnerable baby perception remained a significant independent predictor after adjustment for sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Women diagnosed with risky pregnancies have higher perceptions of vulnerable babies during the postpartum period. Obsessive and compulsive behaviors are more common among postpartum mothers who are younger than 25 years, have lower educational levels and lower income, and have been hospitalized after childbirth. Mothers’ perceptions of vulnerable babies are associated with their obsessive and compulsive behaviors.