To build a bridge between two worlds: Mothers' experiences of professional support at the maternity ward. Issue 10 (2nd October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thorstensson, Stina; Andersson, Anna; Israelsson, Sofie; Ekström, Anette; Hertfelt Wahn, Elisabeth
• Is Part Of: Health care for women international. Volume 37:Issue 10(2016)
• Page Start: 1067
• Page End: 1081
• Publication Date: 2016-10-02
• Subjects: Women -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Women's health services -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female; Neonatology; Obstetrics; Women -- psychology; Femmes -- Santé et hygiène -- Périodiques; Femmes -- Santé, Services de -- Périodiques; 613.0424405
• DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2015.1094072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-9332

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We studied the experience of professional support among first-time mothers in relation to a scale measuring professional support in maternity care. We used a qualitative study with both an inductive and deductive approach and interviewed nine mothers. Our findings, both inductive and deductive, suggest that first-time mothers expect professional support in their transition into motherhood, building a bridge between two worlds. The first meeting, acknowledging individual needs, and supporting partner participation were important for good support. Maternity care should be organized with a focus on availability and professional support for mothers and the increased participation of their partners. Our scale of measurement can be useful but needs some development.