Low Self-Esteem in Postpartum mothers

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among postpartum mothers? Maternal competence, identity and autonomy become particularly salient
Are postpartum mothers at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? #N/A
Does it show up differently among postpartum mothers? Strong Yes
How might it look different? “Am I a good mother?”, changed body/identity, loss of autonomy and comparison with other mothers may dominate
What commonly occurs alongside it? #N/A
What can it be confused with? Normal new-parent uncertainty; postpartum depression/anxiety
Common screening tool RSES — Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Separate screening tool for postpartum mothers Maternal self-esteem/competence scales exist, but not equivalent to global low self-esteem
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