Abstract
Background: The days and weeks following childbirth (the postnatal period or puerperium), are a critical phase in the lives of mothers and new-born babies. The most vulnerable time for both is during the few hours and days after birth. The period places major demands on the physiological processes of mother and new-born as they adapt the changes of pregnancy and intrauterine life respectively. However, this is the most neglected time for the provision of quality services. Postnatal care is an integral part of the midwife’s role in providing care and support to the individual mother and her baby. Postnatal care encompasses aspects of observing and monitoring the health of the mother and her baby, as well as offering support and guidance in breastfeeding and parenting skills. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences and expectations of mothers concerning care during the immediate postnatal period. Methods and materials: A qualitative approach was utilised to collect data from mothers in their immediate postnatal period using recorded in-depth interviews. A total of thirty (30) mothers were interviewed from two general hospitals. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: From the study, three main themes emerged; inadequate physical examination, information needs and professional support, and varied staff attitude. The findings of the study have highlighted the inadequacies that are still there regarding immediate postnatal care. Conclusion and recommendations: It can be concluded that mothers have a lot of needs and expectation during this period which are usually not met. One most important conclusion is the lack or poor information given to the women regarding the care of the new-born and subsequent care. This could be one of the reasons mothers do not come back for the subsequent postnatal visit. There is an evidence of poor quality of postnatal care being offered to women during the immediate postnatal period. There are also some negative experiences that postnatal mothers have had and these have led them to being unsatisfied with the care they receive during the immediate postnatal period. However, despite all the above, there is still room for improving the care given during this time. This can help reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
The postnatal period—defined here as the first six weeks after birth—is critical to the health and survival of a mother and her new-born [1]
Satisfied with the care they receive during the immediate postnatal period
In total 30 postnatal mothers were interviewed between the period May to August 2017 from the two study settings (15 participants for Kabwe and 15 participants for Lewanika General Hospital)
Summary
The postnatal period—defined here as the first six weeks after birth—is critical to the health and survival of a mother and her new-born [1]. The WHO states that the Post natal period begins immediately after the birth of the baby and extends up to six weeks (42 days) after birth This is the period and the individual require physical, social, psychological, support. Postnatal care encompasses aspects of observing and monitoring the health of the mother and her baby, as well as offering support and guidance in breastfeeding and parenting skills. The period places major demands on the physiological processes of mother and new-born as they adapt the changes of pregnancy and intrauterine life respectively This is the most neglected time for the provision of quality services. Lack of appropriate care during this period could result in significant ill health, disability and even death of the mother or new-born [5]
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