The impact of family support on emotional health and postpartum recovery: Analysis of maternal perception

Family support during the postpartum period plays a crucial role in mothers' emotional well-being and overall recovery. This study examines maternal perceptions of the support received, focusing on its impact on the adaptation to the parental role and the integration of the newborn into the family environment. Using a quantitative approach with an exploratory-correlational design, a survey was conducted with 128 mothers in Ecuador to assess the adequacy of family support and its relationship with sociodemographic factors. The findings indicate that educational level, marital status, and economic situation significantly influence the quantity and quality of support received. Mothers with higher education levels and stable unions receive greater support, whereas those with lower economic resources experience greater family tensions. Furthermore, the subjective perception of family support is a key determinant of maternal health, highlighting the importance of genuine and respectful emotional support. These results underscore the need for tailored strategies to optimize postpartum family support, taking into account sociocultural specificities and promoting evidence-based interventions to enhance maternal and infant well-being.