Abstract

Background: Postpartum quality of life (PQoL) is a multidimensional construct reflecting the comprehensive impact of childbirth on maternal and infant health. Although it is shaped by a constellation of sociodemographic, obstetric, and infant-feeding factors, systematic evidence on its multidimensional predictors remains limited—particularly among urban Chinese mothers. Objective: This study examined predictors of postpartum quality of life across four domains—child care, physical function, psychological function, and social support—using the PQoL Descriptive System in a sample of urban Chinese women. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 420 postpartum women recruited from healthcare facilities in urban China. Sociodemographic data (age, income, education, employment) and obstetric information (mode of delivery, gravidity, feeding method, and others) were collected. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVAs, and multiple linear regression were employed to examine group differences and identify independent predictors. Results: The mean age of participants was 31.9 years (SD = 4.6). The mean total PQoL score was 3.17 (SD = 0.20), indicative of a generally favorable postpartum experience. Multiple regression identified maternal age (β = −0.190, p < .001) and pumped breast milk feeding (β = 0.117, p < .05) as significant independent predictors of total PQoL. At the univariate level, family income (F = 2.741, p < .05) and feeding method (F = 5.510, p < .01) were also significantly associated with total PQoL. Mode of delivery did not reach significance (p = .383). Conclusion: Advancing maternal age was negatively associated with postpartum quality of life, suggesting that older mothers warrant targeted follow-up and support. Pumped breastfeeding was associated with higher overall PQoL, offering evidence for the value of flexible, individualized lactation support. These findings extend the evidence base for the PQoL Descriptive System in urban Chinese populations and have direct implications for maternal health policy.