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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Women’s experiences, needs and expectations in the early postnatal period: A descriptive qualitative study
1
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Division of Nursing, Singapore, Singapore
2
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Office of Patient Experience, Singapore, Singapore
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A1047
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Postnatal period is a critical transition period for both the woman and her newborn. Health challenges that are unresolved could potentially impact the long-term well-being of the family. There is limited understanding on women’s lived experiences and specific needs of postnatal care in Singapore.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to explore the experiences, needs, and expectations of care provided to postnatal women in Singapore.
METHODS:
The qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Women aged 21 and above, had delivered in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and are able to communicate in English language were recruited. Individual interviews were conducted between November to December 2024 using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was collected at 4 to 8 weeks after childbirth, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
Fifteen women completed the interview. The average duration of interviews was 15.4 minutes. A total of three themes and twelve subthemes emerged: (i) Embracing motherhood – The joy (ii) Navigating the complexities – The hidden struggles, and (iii) Growing in resilience – The support. Findings indicated that while most women had support from family during the first month of childbirth, there were still several challenges encountered. Although there is currently a variety of information on postnatal care available on different platforms, women have expressed a need for greater access to professional support that is tailored to their individual needs and easily accessible or could be provided on-demand, particularly in areas such as breastfeeding, infant care and mental health.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study highlighted the range of physical, emotional and informational needs of women in the early postnatal period. Findings from this study may inform enhancements to community-based postnatal care models in Singapore, ensuring that women’s needs are comprehensively addressed.
KEY MESSAGE:
There is a need for more women-centred and holistic postnatal support that addresses both practical and emotional aspects of motherhood. Poster session 4 (Group B)
Postnatal period is a critical transition period for both the woman and her newborn. Health challenges that are unresolved could potentially impact the long-term well-being of the family. There is limited understanding on women’s lived experiences and specific needs of postnatal care in Singapore.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to explore the experiences, needs, and expectations of care provided to postnatal women in Singapore.
METHODS:
The qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Women aged 21 and above, had delivered in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and are able to communicate in English language were recruited. Individual interviews were conducted between November to December 2024 using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was collected at 4 to 8 weeks after childbirth, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
Fifteen women completed the interview. The average duration of interviews was 15.4 minutes. A total of three themes and twelve subthemes emerged: (i) Embracing motherhood – The joy (ii) Navigating the complexities – The hidden struggles, and (iii) Growing in resilience – The support. Findings indicated that while most women had support from family during the first month of childbirth, there were still several challenges encountered. Although there is currently a variety of information on postnatal care available on different platforms, women have expressed a need for greater access to professional support that is tailored to their individual needs and easily accessible or could be provided on-demand, particularly in areas such as breastfeeding, infant care and mental health.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study highlighted the range of physical, emotional and informational needs of women in the early postnatal period. Findings from this study may inform enhancements to community-based postnatal care models in Singapore, ensuring that women’s needs are comprehensively addressed.
KEY MESSAGE:
There is a need for more women-centred and holistic postnatal support that addresses both practical and emotional aspects of motherhood. Poster session 4 (Group B)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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