Identifying women’s needs to adjust to postpartum changes: a qualitative study in Iran

Abstract

Background The transition to motherhood is associated with stress because of extensive and rapid changes to which women need to be able to adjust. To help women adjust to postpartum changes, their needs during this period must be identified. Therefore, the present qualitative study explored the needs of women for adjusting to postpartum changes. Methods In this study, 29 participants were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation in Isfahan, Iran. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews, daily notes, and field notes, and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Results Data analysis led to the emergence of 5 main categories: “the need to receive social support,” “the need to receive a sense of worth from the husband,” “the need to compensate and improve the situation,” “the need to create socio-cultural changes,” and “the need for training.” Conclusions According to the results of the study, in order to adjust to the changes in the postpartum period, and in addition to their efforts to compensate and improve the situation, women need to be supported by their husbands, family members and acquaintances, healthcare team, and society in various dimensions. Moreover, they should receive the information they need to turn the challenges of this period into an opportunity for growth.

Explaining the Educational Needs of Iranian First-Time Parents for Adaptation to Parental Role: A Qualitative Study

“…(2022) showed that women who want to adapt to postpartum changes need training in topics related to the health of the mother and baby. [ 13 ] Lu et al . (2012) maintained that learning skills related to childcare foster a positive attitude toward parenting in parents.…”

“…Semi-structured in-depth individual interviews,[ 13 ] diaries, and field notes were used to collect the data. The questions and cues were prepared after reviewing the documents and consulting several reproductive health experts, and this was piloted in four pilot interviews.…”

Experiences of women with psychological suffering in the puerperium: interpretations and meanings

“…However, weight gain and body modi cations of the gravid-puerperium cycle have been more frequent in studies by the vertices, who found that, in Iranian postpartum women, weight gain and the emergence of accidity and stretch marks were unpleasant body modi cations. To return to their pre-pregnancy body shape, they underwent a diet and physical exercise [54].…”

Effects of Pilates Exercises to Depression and Sleep Quality on the Postpartum Period: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…The postpartum period is when a new member joins the family, and the mother tries to adapt to her baby, postpartum discomforts, and changes in body image (1). Significant changes can be observed in postpartum mothers' physical and mental states (2).…”