Social media as social support in pregnancy and the postpartum

Abstract

Based on the rapidly growing use of social media and its influence on society an online survey to explore social media use and perceptions of social support was developed. A survey link or QR, quick read code was provided to new mothers in the postpartum setting of an academic medical center, posted on the hospital hosted website for new mothers and shared with Centering Pregnancy groups at the research hospital. The survey link was available for 4 weeks and 117 mothers from 64 different zip codes across the United States completed the survey. The majority of respondents indicated the main source of social support came from their current partner (92%). In addition, 43% used blogs to communicate with other mothers, 99% used the internet for answers to parenting questions, 89% used social media sites for questions and advice related to pregnancy and/or their role as a parent, and 84% considered social media friends a form of social support. These results demonstrate social media plays a substantial role in the lives of mothers today. Providers of healthcare should become familiar and comfortable with social media resources to support mothers of young children.

Keywords: Postpartum; Social media; Social support.