Parents' experiences with public health nursing during the postnatal period: A reflective lifeworld research study

Abstract

Aim To describe mothers' and fathers' experiences with public health nursing and child and family health centre services in the postnatal period, both as a couple and as individuals. Method A phenomenological reflective lifeworld research approach with a descriptive design was chosen. A purposive sample of 10 mothers and 10 fathers were interviewed twice, 1–2 and 6–8 weeks postpartum, using joint and individual interviews. By focusing on being open and flexible, the data were analyzed to elucidate a meaningful structure of the phenomenon. Results The findings revealed that parents’ experiences with public health nurse (PHN) and Child and Family Health Centre (CFHC) services in the postnatal period are characterised by a longing to be seen and confirmed both as unique individuals and as a family by the PHN. Although an increased need for both lay and professional care is prominent during the postnatal period, the parents drew a varied picture of their experiences demonstrating that the CFHC services are focussing almost exclusively on mother and child. Conclusion A public health nurse can contribute to strengthen parenthood and promote the family's health when the focus is on the new baby. Being cared for while learning to care for the baby is pivotal in a phase that involves both joy and vulnerability. This study adds knowledge concerning the importance of both parents being seen and confirmed by the PHN as unique individuals and a family unit in the postnatal period.

A balancing act—midwives' and public health nurses' experiences with breastfeeding counselling

“…Although it is the mothers who breastfeed, the midwives and PHNs highlighted the importance of understanding fathers' need for breastfeeding‐related counselling and care. This accords with Høgmo et al [49], who found that including the father in counselling gives families an increased feeling of mastering the breastfeeding situation.…”

Being a “Warrior” to Care for the New Family: A Meta-ethnography of Nurses’ Perspectives on Municipal Postnatal Healthcare

“…Previous research shows that there is a discrepancy between new mothers’ and fathers’ perceived need for care and support, and what they experience receiving ( Høgmo et al, 2021 ; Sacks et al, 2022 ). It has also been found that fathers’ need for follow-up is not recognized in the same way as the mothers ( Finlayson et al, 2023 ; Høgmo et al, 2023 ). This is reflected in the research, which largely focuses on mothers’ experiences with postnatal health care ( Finlayson et al, 2020 ; Slomian et al, 2017 ; Walker et al, 2019 ).…”

“…The postnatal period is often described as a stressful time in the life of parents, with an increased need for both information, clinical care and psychosocial- and emotional support in order to feel secure in the parenting role ( Høgmo et al, 2023 ; Wiklund et al, 2018 ). Achieving positive motherhood, fulfilling adaptation to changed intimate and family relationships, and regaining health and wellbeing after giving birth are important for new mothers ( Finlayson et al, 2020 ).…”

Breastfeeding mother’s experiences with breastfeeding counselling: a qualitative study

“…It has been reported that to help mothers become confident in their role and strengthen the family’s experience of handling the situation, healthcare professionals should include mothers’ partners in breastfeeding counselling [ 8 ].…”