Multimodal opioid-free anesthesia containing esketamine versus opioid-based anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The postpartum period involves ambivalent feelings for many women. Past experiences and a combination of current biological, psychological, and social factors can make women vulnerable to mental disorders during this time. Postpartum depression, psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), and anxiety are among the most common mental problems [, ]. The mother may have difficulties in self-care and infant care during this period due to her mental problems, and she may feel that she cannot take adequate care of her baby. The mother’s perception that her baby is vulnerable to any illness or injury is referred to as a vulnerable baby’s perception. This perception is not supported by observable clinical findings. It leads to the overprotection of her baby. It has been suggested that this perception stems from a traumatic event in the past (a child’s illness, an accident) and/or the parents’ experience of loss and separation during infancy or childhood []. Having a high level of perception of a vulnerable baby results in more visits to health institutions, dissatisfaction with the health services provided, and being overly sensitive in the care of the baby []. OCD is the is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts that lead to repetitive behaviors and rituals to reduce significant obsessions. Usually, it starts a few days after birth and can last up to 6 months [, ]. The perinatal period is a risk factor for the onset or exacerbation of OCD. It is estimated that the probability of reoccurrence of a previous OCD diagnosis in the perinatal period is between 25% and 75% [, ]. A review of the literature reveals that OCD has been examined in both pregnancy and puerperium. Obsessions during pregnancy are mostly about cleaning repetitions, while obsessions in the postpartum period are in the form of anxiety about unintentionally harming the baby or anxiety about the baby being harmed in other ways [, , ]. Parents are adjusting to a new period in the postpartum period. This can be especially difficult for mothers who have not had previous experience. The postpartum period also involves taking care of the baby. A protective approach to the baby in this process can lead to the emergence of obsessive behaviors. Increased perceptions of the baby’s vulnerability can contribute to disturbing thoughts about harming the baby, which can trigger compulsive care behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety. However, no studies have directly examined the relationship between perceived infant vulnerability and postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms, indicating a clear research gap.To this end, this study aimed to examine the effect of mothers’ perceptions of vulnerable babies on their postpartum obsessive and compulsive behaviors. This study aimed to examine the effect of vulnerable baby perceptions of postpartum mothers on their obsessive and compulsive behaviors. It is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. In this study, vulnerable baby perception was considered the independent variable, while postpartum obsessive and compulsive behaviors related to baby care were considered the dependent variable.