Does perception of the childbirth experience predict women's early parenting behaviors?

Evidence regarding the predictors of positive parenting behaviors in the early transition to parenting is inconsistent and limited. In this prospective, cohort study, we examined whether women's perceptions of their childbirth experience, as well as selected demographic, obstetrical, and psychosocial variables, predicted positive parenting behaviors at 1 month postpartum in 175 Canadian mothers. Women's birth experience did not predict early parenting behaviors, however being better educated and having a vaginal birth did. Excellent partner support and maternal mental health were also significantly associated with positive parenting at 1 month. Nurses have a responsibility to assess women for possible risks for sub-optimal parenting, based on the predictors found, and intervene to enhance parenting behaviors.