BACKGROUND:
Refugee women face distinct postpartum health challenges due to displacement, limited healthcare access, and socio-cultural barriers. Understanding their specific experiences is essential to improve maternal health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to explore the postpartum health problems and care needs of refugee women using a qualitative approach.

METHODS:
A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. The sample consisted of 22 postpartum refugee women selected through criterion sampling. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form and Semi-Structured Interviews. Colaizzi’s phenomenological method and MAXQDA 2022 software were used for analysis.

RESULTS:
Three main themes and seven sub-themes were identified. The participants’ mean age was 25.00 ± 5.52 (range: 19–38); 72.2% were Syrian, and 81.8% had vaginal births. Most women reported lack of social support (n=16), language barriers, and isolation (n=19). Physical complaints included pain (n=13) and fatigue (n=17), while emotional issues involved mood changes (n=8). All participants required breastfeeding education. Additionally, 21 women stated they lacked private space, and 18 needed psychological and physical support.

CONCLUSIONS:
Refugee women face considerable physical, emotional, and social difficulties in the postpartum period. These are compounded by limited support systems and language challenges. Culturally sensitive care, enhanced support services, and educational resources are critical to address their needs and improve maternal well-being.

KEY MESSAGE:
Comprehensive, accessible, and culturally appropriate postpartum care is essential for refugee women, including language support, emotional guidance, breastfeeding education, and private space. Ethics and Conflicts of Interest: Ethical approval was obtained from the Scientific Research Ethics Committee of a public university. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Marginalized - refugees 2