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Lived Experience on Postnatal Care Among Postpartum Women in the Republic of
Maldives

S. Hassan, N. Chalumusuk, N. Viseskul, and A. Klunklin 1
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Faculty of Nursing Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
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Background: The postnatal period is a critical phase and has the potential to avert a substantial proportion
of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. To optimize the health and well-being of women
and infants, postnatal care tailored to women’s individual needs is of utmost importance. However, the
utilization of complete postnatal care visits in low- and middle-income countries, including the Maldives,
is low. If this situation is not well understood, postpartum women and infants may experience serious
complications, and die. This study explored the lived experiences of postnatal care among postpartum
women in the Republic of Maldives.

Objective: This study explored the lived experiences of postnatal care among postpartum women in
the Republic of Maldives

Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in the northern atolls of the Maldives.
Data were collected from March to July 2023 through in-depth interviews with 16 postpartum mothers
who were purposively selected. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Findings summarized into five major themes: 1) mismatch between expectations and actual
experiences including conflict between information and practice, and conflict between prior experience
and practice; 2) overwhelming negative emotions, feeling disappointed with unconcerned care, feeling
disappointed with unprofessional behaviours with health care providers, and feeling alone in knowing little
; 3) need for caring rather than doing a job, wishing for more support and care with heart, and focusing
Oral Presentation Abstracts
on individual care; 4) enablers for postnatal follow-up care, getting family support and getting beneficial
health outcomes. 5) hindrances for postnatal follow-up care, including lack of treatment motivation and
lack of emotional security.

Conclusion: Postpartum women experienced negative emotions with the gap between expectations and
actual experiences affecting the non-utilization of postnatal care services. They needed compassionate
individualized care. Hence, healthcare providers’ effective communication for positive relationships and
understanding of postpartum women’s situations to better reflect their needs were recommended.

Keywords: postpartum women, experiences, postnatal care, phenomenology

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Correspondence: Salma Hassan, Faculty of Nursing Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
E-mail: salma.hassan@mnu.edu.mv

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